In the aftermath of the Cowboys season-ending loss at New York, we should expect a flurry of posts looking to the offseason--many of which will be penned by yours truly. In the meantime, however, I'd like to offer a few thoughts about the 2011 campaign. In particular, I'd like to focus on a few of the dominant media narratives surrounding the Cowboys that--fingers crossed--Dallas' 1-4 December seem to have put to rest.
This team has soooo much talent: Certainly, more objective Cowboys fans have been contradicting this idea for a while now, but this persistent narrative has continued to surround the roster since 2006. And, other than 2007, perhaps, it just hasn't been accurate. Belief in this meme as allowed Cowboys Nation to vastly overvalue their fave team, and has served to raise expectations beyond the ability of the players wearing the star. And, of course, the most fervent believer in this narrative has been one Jerral Jones. Earlier today, O.C.C. authored a terrific post in which he expressed hope that Sunday's loss would serve to pop Jerry's belief bubble so that he might see his team in a clear light. A couple of hours later, Bob Sturm lobbed a cutting "j'accuse!" at Jerry Jones and his spotty history of talent acquisition. Both are required reading for those of you who want to take a cold, hard, long-view look at the organization we all love so well.
More meme-busting after the jump...
This team doesn't have heart: A side narrative extending from the "talent" meme is that the team fails to win because they don't have heart, aren't mentally tough, or fail to show up. A lot of commentators noted that the Giants were much more fired up to start the game yesterday, and that the early hole that the Cowboys found themselves in can be attributed to a lack of passion. Maybe I'm crazy, but I didn't see it this way. To my eyes, Dallas came out playing hard, but were simply overpowered by a more talented team, especially on the lines. I saw a fiercer Cowboys pass rush in the first quarter than I've seen in many weeks. But they simply didn't get there. This was not a problem of intensity, but of execution.
The Cowboys coaching staff certainly sees it this way. In the last couple of weeks, Cowboys defensive coordinator Rob Ryan has located his unit's struggles in a failure to execute. After the Eagles game, he told Dallas Morning News reporters that it wasn't about "blown coverages. Rather: :
"How about we just didn't execute. That's the simple thing. The guy throws a touchdown pass into double coverage, in the redzone, on third down. That's just not good football. Other than that, we'll be fine.
And then last night, he said:
"It was all about execution...I told our guys execute, give us a chance, and I thought we did that. We came out with a lot of guts and played hard. We finally played better. We didn't play well, that's the bottom line. We didn't play well...and it's very disappointing."
Sounds to me like he doesn't feel like the the problem is effort or passion. Even when his guys are in position, they're getting beat. You know who gets beat even when he's in position? The guy with lesser talent. I think Jason Garrett and his coaching staff have had the Cowboys playing hard all season; heart is not the issue. Sturm puts it brilliantly in his article, as he questions Emmitt Smith's contention that this Cowboys squad wasn't mentally tough enough to go into the New Meadowlands and come away with a win:
Mental toughness is a great tie-breaker when talent is equal, but in this space, the premise is that the Cowboys have some very impressive top end talent, but not nearly enough strength on their roster to win a game like the contest that was asked of them on Sunday Night in New York.
I couldn't agree more. Can we please shelve the "lack of heart" narrative until this team has enough talent to compete?
The Cowboys have elite skill position personnel: I'm not arguing here that they don't. What I'd like to dispense with is the narrative that so-called "skill position" talent alone is enough to win. In know I'm going to sound like Knute Rockne here, but teams win with great line play. As exhibit A, I give you last night's contest, in which the Cowboys were whipped on both lines of scrimmage. I don't think the Giants' skill guys are any better than the Cowboys, but they player better last night. Why? Because the big uglies dominated their counterparts. In particular, the New York pass rush was intense, and Tony Romo was under duress from the opening gun. When an offense cannot win at the line of scrimmage, the entire offensive concept breaks down.
I recall an old Jimmy Johnson adage, that his great University of Miami teams won with quarterback and defensive line play. But, when you think about it, this is really about line play: the former depends on a stout O-line; the latter beats the opposing O-line, resulting in poorer QB play. Want to know why Eli Manning seems to carve up the Dallas defense like a Thanksgiving turkey? Look no further than the inability of the Dallas front seven to win their match-ups. Is he "elite?" Against Dallas' ineffectual pass rush he sure is--as would most pro QBs be.
The Cowboys greatest problem spot is the secondary: In the aftermath of the defeat, the twitterverse was filled with invectives against the Cowboys secondary, calls for drafting a first-round cornerback, etc. I'm not arguing that the 'Boys don't need talent upgrades in the secondary. What I would like to submit to you is that this should be pretty far down the list of their greatest needs. Consider the Giants secondary, which is no better than Dallas' and, earlier this season, was playing much more poorly than that of the Cowboys. Last night, they acquitted themselves well, blanketing the Cowboys superb group of wideouts, particularly on crucial third downs. This continued a resurgence experienced in a dominating victory over the Jets.
This recent spate of secondary excellence neatly coincides with the returns of Osi Umenyioa (to the lineup) and Justin Tuck (to health). When these guys join Jason Pierre-Paul and Mathias Kiwanuka on the third-down "passing line," the Giants pass rush is so potent that the secondary has to cover for only a fraction of the time that, say, the Dallas secondary does. Outside of Dallas' first touchdown, to Laurent Robinson, the Cowboys longest pass of the night went for 20 yards. Part of this may have been that Romo's swollen hand prevented him from gripping the ball well enough to make any downfield throws, but had he not been injured, I'm not sure he would ever have had time to complete deeper balls. The lesson? Fix the pass rush and the secondary will follow.
Tony Romo can't win in December: For years now, we've had to endure the national media beating this meme to death. The reason, they say, that this "talented" bunch can't win when it counts most is that Romo is a choker, is soft, and exhibits poor leadership. All of these are not only tired, but largely untrue. This year, I have been pleased to see a shift vis a vis the Romo narrative. One example: last night, NBC flashed a statistic showing that number 9 has the best fourth-quarter QB rating of any quarterback in the league. The key point here is that he always has; what is different is which stats the networks are choosing to flash on the screen. They could easily have put up the Cowboys (once again) dismal December record, and made a connection to their quarterback.
Thankfully, this meme seems to be changing. Perhaps the national media is waking up to something I suggested after the first Giants-Cowboys tilt: its not that the Cowboys can't win in December because of Tony Romo, but that Romo can't win in December because of the Cowboys.
Sobering stuff...certainly what I need a wild and wooly New Year that saw Rabble at three different parties.
9 recs | 515 comments
Technically...
it was a 1-3 December and an 0-1 January… but hey… it’s all the same.
Road Warrior - January 2, 2012
Cowboys have elite skilled position players?
Maybe on paper, but not on the field.
DIRE WOLF - January 2, 2012
They do, but skill position players are worthless without an OL
Terry - January 2, 2012
Exactly!
That’s been the problem for YEARS with this team.
Cowboys Dominance - January 3, 2012
If you don't think Romo is elite then you are sadly deluded.
Mikellie - January 2, 2012
Elite as in Brees, Rodgers, P. Manning and Brady, no, but I think he's in the 2nd group.
Romo isn’t the problem with the Cowboys, I just hope he’s the answer.
DIRE WOLF - January 2, 2012
Only if the 2nd group starts at 5.
Mikellie - January 2, 2012
yeah it starts there
ratware - January 2, 2012
Romo is a top 3 QB
and a TOTAL WARRIOR.
stubabe - January 3, 2012
+9
Mikellie - January 3, 2012
Is that sarcasm? I’m a visitor, and not trying to start anything, but do you seriously believe that?
I can’t really see where he fits in to the top 3 when Rodgers, Brees, Brady, Manning (x2), Roethlisberger, Rivers, and Stafford are all dogs fighting for the same bone.
FrankWyt - January 4, 2012
We're basing it mostly on numbers. He's actually in the top 5 of all time.
Most people tend to base a QB’s success on the number of Super Bowls he’s won. But this is a team game and I believe that if Romo was QBing the Packers, Saints, Patriots, etc. that he would have the same success as those QB’s. We have been weak at OL and defense since Tony has taken over. The window is getting smaller for him but I still think when it is all said and done he will have created a positive legacy.
Mikellie - January 4, 2012
I can see that. But, (in my worthless opinion) how they really judge him is not based on stats at all. It’s based on the kind of stuff he does when the game is on the line.
Please understand, I’m not one a Romo basher, but I do think the criticism he receives is more than fair.
I know the guy can be unbelievably good at times, but there are also a lot of times where I’m thinking " a pro QB just did that?"
FrankWyt - January 4, 2012
You mean like when Rivers fumbled the snap that gave away a game this
year? Or the various three-pick (or more) games various of them had this and other years? He’s got one of the best fourth-quarter ratings in the league, so tell me how he’s not good when the game is on the line. Other QBs seem to be forgiven an awful lot, so don’t come around here with your “fair” criticism. Sure, it’s fair to call Romo on his mistakes; what stinks is the way they get magnified, or his “critics” site years-old errors to bash him when other QBs get a pass. And please spare me the “they-have-rings-so-every-booboo-they-make-is-okay” argument. That’s lazy-ass thinking and a total cop out. When Romo does save the game, it’s “oh, well, that wasn’t a big game.” Blah, blah, blah.
Fernie67 - January 4, 2012
"cite"
Fernie67 - January 4, 2012
Must say…the rings argument is from your imagination, not mine.
Rivers certainly doesn’t have any. So, your only comparison is to Rivers?
Rivers has blown games, no doubt..he’s also pulled a bunch out of his backside. But still, is he the barometer?
Remember, the original comment was that he is a top 3 QB in the NFL, you’re saying he is?
As far as I can see, the only QB’s that get a pass, are what I’d call the top 3 (Brady, Brees, Rodgers, but if Rodgers is too new, than Manning)
FrankWyt - January 4, 2012
You brought up the guys with rings (with the exception of Rivers) and
proceeded to imply that none of them do things that lose games. They all do. Brady, Brees, Manning. Peyton had a three-pick game against us that lost his team the game, right? The years after the NO Super Bowl run, I believe Brees had a breathtaking number of INTs and fumbles, didn’t he? Did they win the Super Bowl again that year? Nope. Do I think Romo is top three? No, but he’s really good, and if he gets a good line in front of him, we’ll see what happens.
And if Rivers has pulled games out of his backside, if the QB gets all the credit, then so has Romo. I can say this; in the five years complete years Romo has been starting, his stats have never been as bad as Rivers’s were this year.
Fernie67 - January 4, 2012
I didn’t mean to imply what you thought, sorry. No argument from me, he is really good. I just didn’t think he was top 3, that’s all.
FrankWyt - January 4, 2012
Fair enough. No worries.
Fernie67 - January 5, 2012
I wonder too
Miles has done nothing, Dez disappears for long stretches, and while Witten is a reliable receiver, at this point he looks like the slowest guy on the field after the catch. Murray is by far our best pure rb and hes hurt.
This offense as a whole is just too inconsistent. And its not just the oline.
foyesboys - January 2, 2012
but that said
the OL is clearly the weaker link. I just don’t agree with the notion that we have top 5 skill position talent.
foyesboys - January 2, 2012
Dez is a situational player it seems
not an every downer.
Miles had an underwhelming season.
I_miss_Switzer - January 2, 2012
Dez does not get passes thrown his way as often because he's constantly doubled and triple-teamed!
Just be glad Romo doesn’t throw his way because it would mean interception city. Why do they double and triple him, because he’s got great hands and he’s a damn dangerous receiver after the catch!
CowboysInFL - January 2, 2012
I guess other elite receivers are never double or triple teamed
because they don’t go AWOL with Dez’s frequency
I_miss_Switzer - January 3, 2012
Not a complete WR yet...
Blackmon looks better than Dez.
selke99 - January 4, 2012
miles is very legit
http://wp.advancednflstats.com/playerstats.php?pos=WR
look at the EPA/A. Miles is one of the best in the NFL for his career.
he just missed a lot of this season.
Fan in Thick and Thin - January 2, 2012
He played well with Romo in 2010 but his stats fell off a cliff under Kitna
His EPA per pass is 35th in 2010 and 22nd in 2011. That doesn’t scream “top end #1 wr” to me, though its not bad. If I had to rank #1 wrs, I would probably have Miles in the 15-25 range at this point, so I guess that sounds right
Its hard to just ignore injuries when it comes to Miles considering how much of his career hes spent hurt. And while his per pass stats are still decent, I think we also need to consider the fact that Robinson was our #1 from the point Austin got hurt in SF onwards. His production was replaced by Robinson without much of an issue.
foyesboys - January 2, 2012
it doesn’t scream ‘top end’ until you look at WR’s career EPA/A numbers.
they move around a bit from year to year but only the top 5-10 WR are in 0.30-0.40 year in year out.
anyway, no skin off my back if you choose to believe Austin is overrated.
the evidence I look at suggests he’s really legit.
Fan in Thick and Thin - January 2, 2012
Was it on Miles that he vanished in 2010, or on Kitna and the schemes Garrett
had to install for him? Miles and Romo were connecting just fine until Romo went down.
Fernie67 - January 2, 2012
Miles did have a great start to 2010
But Miles does many things other than running deep routes – there should be nothing specific to Kitna that should cause Miles’ production to vanish in comparison to Dez Bryant’s. Miles does a great job on intermediate routes – the kind that Kitna could actually throw.
His first game with Kitna(Jacksonville) he put up 117 yards, but had 2 drops/bobbles leading directly to INTs. In his next 8 games with Kitna, he had 18 catches and 223 yards. His production did not go up again untill McGee came in.
This year in 8 games after his injury he had 29 catches and 346 yards.
If Doug Free’s season was disappointing, then what has Miles Austin been? I think Austin’s great 2009, where he caught absolutely everything and broke a couple tackles leading to monster receptions (which hasn’t happened in a while by the way) has blinded people a little.
foyesboys - January 2, 2012
It wasn't just Kitna in 2010, the Oline play was also atrocious, and affected the whole offence's effectiveness.
Yoko Romo - January 3, 2012
Pretty much like a lot of this year, except Romo is a better QB and was able
to make something out of nothing.
Fernie67 - January 3, 2012
nothing but put 3 TD's to the second seed before getting hurt
ratware - January 2, 2012
Maybe Dez should be the Z
Robinson the X, Miles the Y, . . . or reverse those two.
Uncle Angus - January 2, 2012
A simple definition of elite
Any team in the league would salivate to have Miles Austin. His only flaw in my book is that he hasn’t been able to stay healthy. (Flaw isn’t a perfect word for that, injuries aren’t flaws). If he plays a full schedule, he’s in the same conversation with the best of the best.
StillHateTheGiants - January 2, 2012
A reference to Emile Zola!
I tip my cap to you good sir. :-)
Tennessee_Jed - January 2, 2012
Obviously everyone is frustrated and gonna rant and rave.
I thought is article was mostly spot on.
firejasongarrett - January 2, 2012
I feel still so bad for that longterm deal Sensabaugh received...
orli - January 2, 2012
Don't feel bad for Sensabaugh
When some moron offers you a whole lot of money to play football, you take it
I’d say feel bad for the moron, but I don’t.
oc - January 2, 2012
Marcellus Wiley said the same thing
When Jerry offered him a boat load of money. He took the money and tried to perform but knew he was done.
byopp - January 2, 2012
Feel bad for Cowboys fans we have the moron as our GM
Blue Eyed Devil - January 2, 2012
Me too.
And we can’t change it and we know it. So we are relegated to arguing with each other in this and other forums.
dave33 - January 2, 2012
I'm not over it either...
And for all the criticizing Watkins and McMahon love to do, I’m surprised the local media didn’t jump all over this when it happened. Jerry must have noticed that when Sensi was hurt, particularly during the Lions game, the secondary suffered even more. But now we are seeing it’s because most of the secondary is worthless,
selke99 - January 4, 2012
Would anybody else like to see Bill Polian in Dallas?
Let’s not forget his semi-connection to Big D. His 2-year old expansion Carolina Panthers knocked us out of the playoffs in ’96, ending our bid to repeat as champs.
Look, I know I’m dreaming an impossible dream here, but it’s all we’ve got for a few months. A real football GM like Polian in Dallas… as beautiful as it is unlikely.
KeyOfZ - January 2, 2012 via mobile
Getting another football mind like Polian in Jerry's ear can only be a good thing
Antonio S - January 2, 2012 via Android app
It is an impossible dream
There will never be a real GM in Dallas until Jerry is six feet under…sad, but true.
Terry - January 2, 2012
Never going to happen
Martin79 - January 2, 2012
He's listening to Stephen more and more
And he’s changing. Think of all the things that they said Jerry would never do:
Draft an OLman in the first? Hello Tyron Smith
Fire a coach midseason? Wade Phillips C’MON DOWN!!!!!!!
Surrender Control? Stephen’s call to cut TO
GIve a head coach control? Every player that was drafted in 2011 was a player that Garrett liked.
Omar Little - January 2, 2012
I agree
dunkman - January 2, 2012
I agree 100%
I had this feeling this past draft when no “splash” picks were made just solid football picks and look what we have…..players who can contribute all over the place….a Star RB, a star T, a potential star in Carter, two solid G’s that with time can be good depth players for us….love to see this happen again this year with a emphasis on the Defense
BWAREofDWARE94 - January 2, 2012
I wish there was an alternate reality...
That we could observe with Jerry calling ALL the shots so we could just laugh. Didn’t he want to trade down to take Ingram? Instead we get an elite OT and a potential elite RB in the 3rd round!
selke99 - January 4, 2012
Good Lord!
Look at that steaming pile of dog poop Polian left in Indy.
When people start inthroning their sons in organizations, that a clear sign that they’ve completely lost contact with reality. Wait, what did I just write there?
One.Cool.Customer - January 2, 2012
But we all know Polian is not coming to Dallas
Antonio S - January 2, 2012 via Android app
You are in rare form today.
I like the edge. Was last night your wake up call? ; )
dave33 - January 2, 2012
Yeah I don't want Polian either...no thinks. Always hated that guy anyways.
Omar Little - January 2, 2012
He built the Buffalo Bills team that went to 4 straight Super Bowls
and at least 3 HOFers.
Mikellie - January 2, 2012
You're talking about 20 years ago before the free agency era...
Belicheck ran circles around him during the height of the Pats-Colts rivalry. Sure maybe there were times Manning didn’t play his best in their playoff match ups, but in my opinion Polian didn’t do a good enough job building around Manning, And Caldwell is your best option to replace Dungy? Really? Too much pressure on the QB.
selke99 - January 4, 2012
?tanstaafl - January 2, 2012
I've missed your posts!
Wanted to see your thoughts on the Cowboys season.
selke99 - January 4, 2012
hahaha nice one
ratware - January 2, 2012
Yeah, he was good years ago, but seems to have lost it.
Sons, hum, aren’t we hoping Steven is taking over more power from JJ? :)
Rena - January 2, 2012
His last 4 drafts here in Indy
Have been pretty thin
Also, how do you give PM a $28MM payday in 3/12 when you don’t even know if he’s healthy. That contract will force IND to make an either/or choice with Manning/Luck.
tdships - January 2, 2012
I think that choice has already been made
How lucky can Indy be? Payton Manning to Andrew Luck. Damn!
White Wolf - January 2, 2012
Yeah
If Manning can get healthy and have a natural decline for the rest of his career he’s no worse than a top five QB of all time, it’s kind of hard to have a crappy organization with a guy like that at the helm anyways.
Omar Little - January 2, 2012
Good luck unloading that contract
tanstaafl - January 2, 2012
Oh some team will take him...
Redskins, Jets, Buffalo (would have to eat Fitzgerald contract), Vikings (dome, AP, strong D line, def. Minded coach), TB (longshot if Freeman the man), Arizona (eat Kolb contract), Seattle (eat TJack contract), Ravens (Flacco maybe only 1-2 Yrs left on contract), Browns (he would probably refuse this), Miami, Chiefs, Denver, Oakland (would probably have nothing to offer trade wise due to Palmer trade and previous Al Davis deals), Houston(would have to trade Schaub, but Yates could serve as understudy), Titans, Jax.
True that is a hefty contract, but if a team feels they are one player away, they’ll take a shot. Plus it will sell tickets and jerseys. You can’t tell me Rex Ryan or Dan Snyder isn’t salivating over this!
selke99 - January 4, 2012
The thing about "Real Football GMs" is...
They all tend to be various shades of overrated. Polian we saw how quickly that team devolved, no they’re not as bad as they were this year but they’ve been getting by on Peyton Manning’s greatness far too long. Who else do they have besides him? They needed the number one pick in the draft in a good QB class to get him and really, what else do they have? Look at Scott Pioli in KC, without Belichick and other smart voices in the room he’s been mediocre too. They’re probably going to bench Cassell in favor of Orton next year and that was Pioli’s big first move. Realistically I think this current brain trust that Dallas has is doing pretty well, and will continue to do good things.
Omar Little - January 2, 2012
Real Football GMs
Don’t trade 1st, 3rd, and 5th round picks for Roy Williams, have special teams drafts, or pass up guys like O.J. Atogwe in favor of offering the same contract to Gerald Sensabaugh.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 2, 2012
Jerry's made mistakes, no one's denying this
But stop acting like he’s the cause of all the problems, like he’s never made a good move, or that a new GM would be this Deus Ex Machina that saves the team from oblivion. They were basically two plays away from the playoffs this year, a first against New England and a score from the four against the Jets. Yes, Roy Williams was a dumb trade…but Jerry’s shown to shy away from the big ticket items. When the bidding for Asomugha got too heavy he showed some restraint. He cut quite a bit of dead weight last year, and just because he didn’t cut it all doesn’t make him a bad GM. I am okay with Sensabaugh, he actually outplayed Atgowe this year, as did Elam…both players posted higher WPAs than Atgowe did.
Omar Little - January 2, 2012
Then we'll agree to disagree
I think the #1 and #2 problems with this team are Jerry Jones being the general manager. He’d have been fired 4 or 5 times now if he was a GM and someone else was the owner for his terrible decisionmaking.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 2, 2012
I think he would have been banned from Football
he treats this team like his fantasy football team
BWAREofDWARE94 - January 2, 2012
Wrong........He'd never been hired by another owner as a GM.
DIRE WOLF - January 2, 2012
True- LOL
BWAREofDWARE94 - January 2, 2012
Well I'm not saying that he's been great all the time
What I am saying is that any GM you can name that’s been in football as long as JJ has, has his fair share of failures on his resume too, and you’re also not going to be able to name someone short of the Pats crew that had as many successes as he has. He also has a lot of other people that have helped him have whatever successes that he’s owned. Polian was the guy that everybody loved, but once it became too expensive to get Manning some surrounding parts he fell apart too despite having an all time great at QB. Scott Pioli hasn’t done much since leaving Belichick, the Krafts, and Brady…and Belichick (a top three HC of all time) hasn’t done a whole lot without Pioli and his two coordinators either.
To run an NFL team correctly you need to have an entire front office working together. That’s been the problem, not Jerry per se but the people he surrounded himself with and the lack of ideas other than his own. He was the one that overruled Parcells on Ware, so the best player this team’s had since Emmitt was all Jerry. The same goes for Emmitt and Aikman. I think he’s shown that he is more than capable of making good decisions, but like any other GM or NFL FO person you can name needs more input than just his to run a team correctly.
Omar Little - January 2, 2012
"Polian was the guy that everybody loved"
Who are these everyone that loved Polian? BSPN and Jamie Dukes?
This is a guy who’se 1st picks in the last 4 drafts are Mike Pollak, Donald Brown, Jerry Hughes, and Anthony Castonzo. It’s not some amazing secret their GM hasn’t been drafting well and Peyton Manning has been carrying that team.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 2, 2012
+10000000
Rat-Pack - January 2, 2012
I have a strong dislike for the whole Colts organization as well
but putting that collapse on a missing Peyton Manning is waaaay too easy.
The entire defense couldn’t stop a runny nose and that had absolutely nothing to do with Manning.
One.Cool.Customer - January 2, 2012
I wasn't trying to do that...
I was stating that Manning’s the only decent thing that they’ve had going for them, and without him they’re almost an 0-16 team. Not that with him they’re a contender or anything, just that without him they’re probably worse than the 2001 Miami Hurricanes.
Omar Little - January 2, 2012
building a team to only run offense through one guy making all the shots/calls/reads/etc
and a defense predicated to prevent teams coming back on 30-10 deficits because #18 is unstoppable and immune to not missing PT and can only stop the run when Bob Sanders plays his 5 games a year is never a smart plan
plus he couldnt draft a lick either. he missed a ton on his draft picks.
starbury_to_s-jaxci2000 - January 3, 2012
What the hell does the "b" stand for?
Boston Sports Promotion Network? But yeah, they’re always singing his praises. A lot of fans wish that the Cowboys organization was more like The Steelers, the Patriots, the Saints, the Colts, the Packers, or the Ravens. Which, I mean don’t get me wrong, aside from the Colts those are some solid organizations.
However, they’ve all made their fair share of mistakes and had some lucky breaks. Scott Pioli of the Pats hasn’t done much with out Belichick, Brady, and the Krafts and the three of them haven’t done a whole lot without Pioli either. The Saints have had a few good years, but like every other team they’ll make some mistakes. The same can be said for the rest of the lot. Just look at the Ravens’ QB situation, that’s not the mark of a great organization.
Omar Little - January 2, 2012
BSPN=
Bull Sh!t Promotion Network
I am Ironman!!! - January 4, 2012
But you need to create enough success to overcome the bad calls every organization makes...
And yes Flacco may not be elite, but they’ve built effectively around him to compete for not only the playoffs but the Super Bowl.
selke99 - January 4, 2012
You can't deny Polian had his day in the sun...
But those days are long gone.
selke99 - January 4, 2012
Jimmy J wanted Steve Walsh
He wasn’t sold on Troy and picked up Steve in the Supplemental only to trade him later on.
oldtimer - January 2, 2012
No one short of the Pats crew?
How about the Packers, Steelers, Eagles (as far as staying competitive year after year), Giants, Ravens, Falcons (since drafting Ryan) just to name a few?
Since when does playing OL in college and making billions in the oil business qualify you as an NFL GM? He thought he could just learn on the fly from Jimmy and but he can’t. I know the story about taking Ware (though I’m not sure about your inference that Jimmy didn’t want Emmett or Troy just because he took Walsh). But when you’ve taken Americas Team to one playoff win (and a fortunate matchup in that win) in 15 years, you need to take a long, hard look at yourself.
selke99 - January 4, 2012
No one is disagreeing with that.
selke99 - January 4, 2012
omar i used to think you were the voice of reason among thugs, i feel like if you were defending avon
jerry has a lot of good moves of course but also has a lot of bad ones, and those are more, it’s like gibing a free pass to matt millen just because he drafted calvin johnson
just looks, coaches and players have passed through this organization and they’re always the same, the organization has all the fingerprints of jerry on it, and that’s why no matter who’s coaching you see always the same problems
ratware - January 2, 2012
Avon's stash was easier to hit than Marlo's. After Bay went to the cut, Barksdale ain't got no muscle.
I’m not saying Jerry is perfect, what I’m saying is he’s miles better than anyone here is willing to give him credit for. Parcells wanted Spears over Ware, Jerry said no. Jimmy wasn’t sold on Troy Aikman, Jerry said stay the course. At first Jimmy wanted to trade my favorite and yours, Michael Irvin. Al Davis of all people talked him out of it. Jerry was huge in the setting up a bidding war for the Hershel trade. Jerry’s been a backer of Tony Romo’s and Jason Garrett’s. Has Jerry made mistakes? Absolutely, I’m not saying he hasn’t or that he’s perfect.
His main mistakes were with coaches, that seems to be fixed now. Stephen talked him into cutting TO where he wasn’t willing to do so before. He basically let Garrett take his picks in the draft, and they found several players that everyone agreed on. Last year’s draft he even admitted his biggest regret was passing on Randy Moss, and he wasn’t going to make the same mistake twice. He’s emphasizing different things and he’s making the changes we want him to make. He let Garrett have more control, he’s listening to Stephen, and he’s going after “RKGs” that we all pine for.
The problems that the team had this year, IMO, were (in no particular order): questionable play calling, injuries, spotty offensive line play in the first half, a weak secondary, and a less than desirable pass rush. You fix any three of those things and you’re looking at a playoff team. He drafted three offensive linemen, including taking an offensive lineman with the 9th overall pick in the draft. The secondary and the pass rush were weaknesses that he tried to address but things just didn’t shake out. He was willing to sign Asomougha, but bowed out when Philly offered him an insane amount of jack. The Defense was pretty solid in 2009, terrible in 2010 and he figured that maybe Ryan could make a few tweaks and improve it…he was right, but I think he underestimated how bad it was in 2010. Injuries? Hey they happen. Play calling? Meh…we’ll see what happens with the offensive coordinator situation. People are acting like he’s a stubborn old fool who hasn’t changed one iota. That’s just not an opinion that has any basis in fact. In 2010 there was A LOT of deadweight on the team, you just can’t cut it all in one offseason, you still have to fill a 53 man roster. The reason why most of these things happened was, yes, the abortion of a 2009 draft. Yeah, that’s on Jerry, but a.) I don’t think he’ll be making that mistake again anytime soon and b.) we can’t just kill a guy over one mistake. Good GMs in every sport make bad moves. Part of making moves is that some of your moves are going to be bad ones. Jerry’s last two drafts have yielded some good players, hell if you’ve bought a Dez or a Lee jersey you can’t be hating on Jerry THAT much. Jon Daniels traded Adrian Gonzalez and Chris Young for Chan Ho Park…I suppose he should have been fired long ago too, right? We’ll see some more deadweight go this year with Newman, Spencer, Buehler, Brooking, Ball, Bennett, and some more.
Omar Little - January 2, 2012
Are you saying you would still rather have Jerry than a proven or up and coming GM?
Can’t compare Jerry to JD, that AGon trade was made when he first got on board and felt pressured to win now (which was obviously still a wrong move). Reading your post, you want us to excuse Jerry for his boneheaded moves because the good people that surround him end up convincing him to cut them. And how can you just forgive Jerry for the ‘09 draft when that is his 20th year as GM. No one is denying that Jimmy and Parcells had their failures, but you gotta look at the overall track record. Surely you’re not saying that Jerry is better than Jimmy or Bill at building a team.
selke99 - January 4, 2012
I'm ok with Sensi too...
Ut for this year only, not for 2 additional years with that money. But I get your point. I wish Jerry would go, but not gonna happen. I’m just happy he’s ceding more control to Stephen and Garrett.
selke99 - January 4, 2012
All for it
TomLandryFan - January 2, 2012
Before anyone advocates for Polian to come here in Dallas
Read Raf’s take on it….
http://www.cowboysnation.com/2012/01/dont-chase-not-so-shiny-things-football.html
troysboys - January 2, 2012
Too old...
And he would probably want to feature his son in some significant capacity. I realize this will never happen with Jerry in charge, but why not shoot for someone that has done something more recent than 10+ years ago? In my opinion, Polian underachieved during the Manning era.
selke99 - January 4, 2012
Final few paragraphs are spot on.
Nice work.
DCyanks21 - January 2, 2012
money quote
Terry - January 2, 2012
Couldn't agree more.
DCyanks21 - January 2, 2012
+9
Mikellie - January 2, 2012
ah
so you agree that Tony Romo doesn’t win in December. I’m shocked you’d support that myth, Terry.
Joey2zs - January 2, 2012
no I agree the Cowboys can't but not because of Romo
Terry - January 2, 2012
The national "analysts" are starting to pick up on this.
selke99 - January 4, 2012
Think about it -
Felix Jones 11 carries, 30 lousy yards
Tony Romo – sacked 6 times aand under duress most of the night.
And people think Janoris Jenkins is going to solve our problems???
LOL
You DO NOT win with CB’s.
You win with lines – think David DeCastro at 14.
Rome One - January 2, 2012
I agree, Castro has to be the selection
We will never fix the defense in one or two years, but we can make the offense truly elite like NO and GB by making our OL very good.
That should be the plan, outscore everyone like the Packers, Pats and Saints
Terry - January 2, 2012
DeCastro
Terry - January 2, 2012
You can't pass a blue chip talent up, especially one at a position of need if he is on the board.
If he isn’t there, get a pass rusher. We have got to fix the lines first, and yes, we need at least 1 CB.
Great article, I agree completely.
Rena - January 2, 2012
build from the inside out
BWAREofDWARE94 - January 2, 2012
+1
NICE!
Cowboys_Attack - January 2, 2012
Primarily this is the first year with this o-line
Getting Tony Sparano back should be a high priority but give these young guys more than one season and good coach to show them how to block. Hudson Hauock’s time has passed.
Martin79 - January 2, 2012
nope
you can polish garbage all you want but it dont work
burmafrd1944 - January 2, 2012
Victor Cruz, 178 yards
Archie Barberio - January 2, 2012
with a good OL, our receivers can put up those type of numbers as well
Terry - January 2, 2012
Those numbers are the product of miscommunication...again!
Mikellie - January 2, 2012
Those Numbers
Are the procuct of Newman not being able to cover.. at all.
Aaron Burtram - January 2, 2012
Cruz was on the other side of the field.
Mikellie - January 2, 2012
Cruz’s 74 yarder was against Newman
Aaron Burtram - January 3, 2012
Don't know what he was doing on that side of the field, that's Jenkins side.
And Sensabaugh was out of position…more his fault.
Mikellie - January 3, 2012
Newman covers the slot.
selke99 - January 4, 2012
Cruz ran a clean out route across the field, being tailed by Newman the whole way.
Aaron Burtram - January 4, 2012
Watch the replay of it again and you will see what I’m talking about
Aaron Burtram - January 4, 2012
Nagy...
DCyanks21 - January 2, 2012
Chia I say grab a pass rusher.
They help the secondary. Don’t matter if you have Revis and Flowers back there if you have no rush the QB will pick them apart.
DCyanks21 - January 2, 2012
our front 7 is more disruptive than NY Jets front 7 by far. Our Secondary just can't cover for ****
LiLGiT - January 2, 2012
Undrafted Free Agent, no less
2010 draft . . .
Iowacowboy - January 2, 2012
?????
What? Yeah, you DO win with CBs. What the hell is your point?
It takes a team, buddy. Not 1 superstar guard. A solid team.
Joey2zs - January 2, 2012
DeCastro would be awesome, but i wouldn't mind trading down a few spots to select Konz
and kick costa out of the line up, he sucks
ratware - January 2, 2012
Thats my thought. With all of the holes on this team, especially on D, trade down and pick
up another pick or two.
StrosSouth - January 2, 2012
Sturm's article is a must read
Antonio S - January 2, 2012 via Android app
Agreed
The picks have been awful for years and there is little chance they will get better
byopp - January 2, 2012
Sturm hit the nail on the head
The Cowboys star players like Romo, Witten, Ware, Rat, Lee carry the team as far as they can carry them, but the rest of the roster is hot smelly garbage and it’s all thanks to horrible drafts the past 5 years.
What is sad and depressing is that it’s not going to get any better unless Garrett really gets his way in the draft and free agency and Jones lets him.
Terry - January 2, 2012
He had his way last draft. Hopefully it's a harbinger of things to come.
TheCowboyFan - January 2, 2012
JG and RR need to puch their wills on JJ big time this coming draft and FA
StrosSouth - January 2, 2012
I think Garrett knew all along he would need this year and possibly next year to clean up Jerry’s mess
Antonio S - January 2, 2012 via Android app
I never expected the team that 6-10 last year to become a playoff team. I expected them
to improve some but not by leaps and bounds like some were apparently expecting. This franchise is rebuilding and will get better with FA and the draft.
StrosSouth - January 2, 2012
The meme about having "HEART"
reminds me of the scene in the movie Full Metal Jacket where the Drill Sargeant tells Private Joker “Let me see your war face!” and after Joker does his best “war face” the Drill Sargeant says “You didn’t scare me! Work on it!” LOL!
Honestly, nobody on the team lacked effort, drive, work, etc. to my viewing eyes. In fact, it’s rare that a player (much less an entire team) just up and quits. This is why Santonio Holmes is getting so much bad press right now. You don’t have to have a “War Face” to have “heart” on the football field. We got beat by a better team. A good war face won’t fix that.
Tennessee_Jed - January 2, 2012
rabble ..
REC.
Well written. And the Sturm article should be stapled to JJ’s eyeballs.
bloodyhanded - January 2, 2012
All I can do is give you a big, fat rec.
Fernie67 - January 2, 2012
Not sure what you've been watching this season
not just last night. The secondary is PITIFUL. Corner in round 1 PLEASE . Newman sucks and there is no way around that- he’ll be 34 next season and he’s not getting any better. Scandrick has a new contract that quite franlky he didn’t earn and last night Cruz ate his lunch and go back and watch the Philly game for more examples of how not to play the slot receiver. Sensabaugh is average at best. Ball is toast on every other down. Don’t need a corner? Are you NUTS???? Elam could’ve blown up Bradshaw in the backfield but decided to play two hand touch football. This secondary is an embarassment to Ryan, Garrett,Jones and the NFL!!! Greatest needs list is a CORNER.
Martin79 - January 2, 2012
and this from a guy with an all-time great pass rusher as his monniker...!
rabblerousr - January 2, 2012
You get pass rushing if you can cover the hot receiver
and not play 10 yards off the line. Football 101 No coverage- Less Sacks
Martin79 - January 2, 2012
I think you need an updated edition of Football 101
The best corner in the league can’t cover an NFL receiver for four seconds.
You play press when you have confidence in the pass rush. The Cowboys play so much off coverage because they know the front seven won;t get to the QB.
rabblerousr - January 2, 2012
The point is they go hand in hand
Ware gets pressure as well as Ratliff, Hatcher and sometimes Spencer. With no one covering, pressures takes 3 to 4 seconds to get to the QB and he’s still able to get the throw 9 out of 10 times? That means coverage broke down. On third and 7 we gave up a 20 yard completion, does that mean with another rusher it wouldn’t gotten there and Scandrick playing bad technique didn’t matter? I think you need both for it to work. No corners means more agony until it gets addressed. Last night Romo pulled the ball down and tried to reset several times because the Giants were covering better than Dallas.
Martin79 - January 2, 2012
Strength up the middle
Several teams get away with sketchy CB play because their Safeties are strong. Build teh middle through ILB, DL and Interior OL. DAL of course, continues to build from the outside in, not working so well
tdships - January 2, 2012
The Giants were running two, maybe three guys into routes, and occasionally cutting the fullback underneath, and Ryan tried blitzing, dropping back 7 and 8, and everything in between. Trying to bury the QB with 4 on 7 is a useless endeavor. Quit acting like you are in the loop just because you’ve decided to accept everything Garrett says. Teams don’t win with skill talent alone? Don’t ever bother with the advanced stats stuff again because just about everything I’ve come across says the Patriots, Packers, and Saints are all doing it. Newman single-handily allowed that first TD, flipping the field and the game. He can’t cover, can’t tackle, can’t catch interceptions that hit him right in the hands. And the Giants (and other teams) did everything possible to make him the loser on each play. Finding anything average is a huge step up, not just filling a hole.
strokes - January 2, 2012
Quick name me the top defenses the past few years..
Now tell me what was their strength? 90% of them itll be pass rush with no name CBs.
thebigham - January 2, 2012
so I'm at a loss
Are you saying Newman is fine and at 34 we should keep him and his huge salary and get another pass rusher? i DON’T THINK GETTING A PASS RUSHER IS BAD BUT NOT THE TOP PRIORITY-TOP COVER CORNER SHOULD BE FIRST.
Martin79 - January 2, 2012
Cap buttons stuck.
Mikellie - January 2, 2012
yEAH
Martin79 - January 2, 2012
I'm saying this:
An upgrade at OLB (for Spencer) and DE (for Spears) will upgrade the defense more than replacing Newman.
rabblerousr - January 2, 2012
So wait?
An upgrade at both? Of course, you get two players that are improvements over two players that are both good at something is obviously better than an upgrade over a terrible player. I would also say that it’s easier to upgrade over Newman than either of those two players. Jamell Flemming is probably better than Newman right now, and he’s a third round pick. Spencer and Spears both have use and are both legitimate starters. It’ll be a lot harder to upgrade those two than it will to upgrade over Newman.
Omar Little - January 2, 2012
So your disagreeing with Rabblerousr's FanPost then?
Read it. It makes perfect sense.
Mikellie - January 2, 2012
Was unaware that he wrote one...
Omar Little - January 2, 2012
OK Smart A$$
I mean the story above.
Mikellie - January 2, 2012
The ellipses were a bit condescending.
I legitimately thought he made a fan post and that I should read it. I read his post. If he’s saying that upgrading over Spears and Spencer would be better than upgrading over just Newman, then I agree. You’re upgrading over two average-ish players, so think adding Lamarr Woodley and Calais Campbell would probably be more valuable than upgrading with any one corner (save for Darrelle Revis). I’m saying that’s a false gambit. Two upgrades in the NFL is typically better than one. I’m also saying that upgrading over Newman shouldn’t be that hard since he was so awful in the second half. He’s the worst player on the team during the second half, there’s mid round rookies that could probably out play him.
Omar Little - January 2, 2012
You’re changing the argument. The top defenses aren’t always the top teams.
strokes - January 2, 2012
Other than the growing pains of a young offensive line, The offense seems to be set
So the argument is that the secondary was not the problem according to the post but myself and some others think it is
Martin79 - January 2, 2012
i follow you. my point was directed at the running comments that say you can’t win with great skill talent alone and you can’t win w/o a better pass rush. not only do i not believe that, but i don’t think dallas ever tried it except for some desperate tries last nite which of course came after romo got hurt again.
strokes - January 2, 2012
I don't think justly saying that you need to fix the pass rush means the secondary is fine and dandy...
We have holes all over the defense.
selke99 - January 4, 2012
thats debatable
GB last year had Woodson and generally a solid secondary.
The Eagles at their best had a great secondary, with Dawkins Vincent and Taylor in the early 2000s and then Sheppard and Brown in the mid 2000s. I can’t remember who their best pass rusher was in that period.
Pittsburgh’s got the pass rush, but I doubt they’d be the same without Polamalu
Same with Baltimore and Reed in the early 2000s.
Giants in 2007 had a great pass rush, but their #1 cb webster flew under the radar, he had a great end to 2007 and terrific 2008.
foyesboys - January 2, 2012
This year look at Carlos Rodgers
and he’s going to the Pro Bowl for the 49ers.
Martin79 - January 2, 2012
I've always liked Rodgers but hes been hurt a bunch
foyesboys - January 2, 2012
Our greatest teams in the 90's had
Thomas Everett, Larry Brown, Kenneth Gant, Issac Holt, Ray Horton. Not exactly All-Pro names outside the Cowboys family. But they were good enough because of guys like Russell Maryland, Leon Lett, Jim Jeffcoat, and Charles Haley. So Rabble’s point is proven.
Mikellie - January 2, 2012
great observation
TomLandryFan - January 2, 2012
Actually those guys were pretty good...
…..if overshadowed. Thomas Everett was a Pro Bowler, and Gant was a special teams ace.You didn’t mention Kevin Smith, who was drafted in the first round and named All Pro at least one season, or Darren Woodson, who belongs in the Hall of Fame. It’s also worth pointing out that Maryland went to one Pro Bowl, Lett went to two, and Jeffcoat went to 0 (though he was underrated). And in the late 90s Deion Sanders almost single handedly kept a defense with a greatly diminished roster in the top 10.
No one’s saying the strength of the team has to be the secondary though. Just that it needs to be competent.
krl97a - January 2, 2012
Forgot to mention Brock Marion....
….who looked like he was good at Dallas and went on to make 3 Pro Bowls with Miami. Brown was an underrated corner and contributors like James Washington had a knack for making timely plays, something our current secondary woefully lacks.
krl97a - January 2, 2012
Oh, and the league was a little more run oriented back then.
Clearly it’s a passing league now.
krl97a - January 2, 2012
Even more reason to get more pressure on the QB.
Mikellie - January 2, 2012
And even more reason to upgrade the CB position.
krl97a - January 2, 2012
You're missing the point...
It’s the Defensive line play that allowed us to use mediocre Defensive backs during that time. Line upgrades (both OL & DL) are most critical to future success.
Mikellie - January 3, 2012
No, you're missing the point.
The DBs back then featured Pro Bowlers, All Pro first round picks, and a Hall of Fame quality safety. As a group they were even better than the accolades they received indicated. They weren’t “mediocre”. Your premise is wrong.
There’s a reason the Cowboys objectively rank higher in sacks than pass defense. Secondary upgrades are most critical to future success.
krl97a - January 3, 2012
Great teams win with great OL & DL's.
Period…end of discussion.
Mikellie - January 3, 2012
Not quite.
If you want a competent defense you can’t have an atrocious secondary.
krl97a - January 5, 2012
While their secondary was truly awesome...
It was the pass rush that was dominant. Look at that 1st Bills SB. Kelly has no time to throw, fumbles multiple times, and gets knocked out. A big part of that team was Jimmy being able to rotate basically 2 lines (like in hockey) to keep the DL fresh against a weary OL. That 2nd DL unit could probably start for multiple teams.
selke99 - January 4, 2012
Agreed.
The Cowboys were stocked with talented depth at every position on both sides of the ball back then. You don’t see teams like that anymore. It’s hard to even build a defense like that.
Dallas does need to upgrade a seriously deficient secondary though.
krl97a - January 5, 2012
don't be fooled he's a one year wonder
he sucks, and actually he didn’t play that well, he just got some interceptions something never was able to do before
ratware - January 2, 2012
And again..
SF front 7 is outstanding.
selke99 - January 4, 2012
To address this:
The Eagles had Hugh Douglas, who was a formidable rush threat, as well as a great DL overall. More importantly, they had Jim Johnson as D Coordinator, and his blitz schemes generated tremendous pressure. They haven’t been the same team since he got sick and died.
The Steelers have no real players of note at corner; they play great pass defense because of the pressure they create, with all their linebackers as well as Polamalu, who is probably more valuable as a blitzer than he is in coverage.
In recent years, the Ravens defense has relied on Terrell Stubbs (who the Cowboys should have taken instead of Newman in 2003), and a host of others to generate fierce pressure. I dare you: name their starting corners for any of the past five years…
rabblerousr - January 2, 2012
I don't think Baltimore's defense is great
even with Suggs. Jim Johnson had Troy Vincent and Bobby Taylor and Brian Dawkins and could afford to send the whole front seven. The Steeler have Gay , Clark and Polamalu. all above average.
Martin79 - January 2, 2012
They are still pretty damn good after all these years...
They have to be when your offense consists of Ray Rice.
selke99 - January 4, 2012
The Steelers have had some quality corners.
No one the level of like a Darrelle Revis or pre-Philly Asomugha, but some quality players. Ike Taylor, Bryant McFadden, and DeShea Townsend are all serviceable corners. I’d gladly take any of them over Newman.
Same goes for the Eagles, they’ve had some good ones in the past. During McNabb’s hey day I always recall they had some rocks at corner and Dawkins at safety. However, in 2009 the best defense in the NFL was the Jets. They had no real passrushers of note, but an elite secondary. When the Packers had a top defense in the league last year they had a very good secondary combined with a very good, but not elite, pass rush.
Omar Little - January 2, 2012
Steelers CBs suck...Polamalu hides their warts
Terry - January 2, 2012
Suck and average aren't the same thing...
Omar Little - January 2, 2012
you said quality...they're definitely not quality
Pittsburgh has a great defense because of Dick LeBeau, their front 7 and Polamalu…thats it.
Terry - January 3, 2012
Another reason we should draft DL & LB
before we pick CB’s.
Mikellie - January 3, 2012
no the steelers corners suck
why do you think the patriots were able to get by them so many years in the playoffs?
spread them out and force Troy out the box and light up their corners on quick routes before the front 7 creates any type of rush. now that the patriots dont have a legit #1 the steelers can cheat and test brady to go deep to Branch or another WR not name Welker on the edge
when Polamalu went down and he got replaced by Antonio Smith?(the dude that trash talked everybody) they got destroyed by everyone because they had to try and sit back and cover instead of blinding the QB with black and gold jerseys
starbury_to_s-jaxci2000 - January 3, 2012
Amazing that if Ravens had just a little better passing game...
They would dominate the Steelers. But playing smash mouth running offense probably plays right in Steelers hands, whereas a pass happy offense that can protect the QB can kill Pittsburgh. The main reason Steelers were finally able to beat the Pats this year was because Pats D is atrocious.
selke99 - January 4, 2012
I would argue
that part of the reason Jim Johnson could be so creative is because he had an extremely talented secondary each year.
Steelers have decent corners – Taylor is a good one, better than anything we’ve had the last 3 years for sure. Considering Jenkins was awful in 2010 and hurt most of this year, Newman has played awful football the last month and Scandrick is iffy, I think McFadden would probably be an upgrade too.
Baltimore I only know Chris Carr. And although I haven’t seen them play much the last 5 years (I used to get their games all the time when I lived in PA), my understanding is you are correct and their front 7 has been a major reason for a still solid pass D (I looked it up and their YPAs are great.
However – Baltimore from 2006 on Baltimore has ranked 2nd, 19th, 9th, 18th, 27th and 3rd in sacks. That doesn’t scream “fierce pressure” to me, though I haven’t seen their games.
foyesboys - January 2, 2012
well they drafted that kid in the 1st round last year
and the Steeler’s corners got killed by the pack in the SB
somebodyquiet - January 2, 2012
Couldn't agree more
+1
Martin79 - January 2, 2012
Seems to me that Revis did alright on a top defense last year.
Mikellie - January 2, 2012
name one thing I've written here that accepts what Garrett says
rabblerousr - January 2, 2012
???
Your post doesn’t even make sense. Rabble is completely correct. Giants were able to do the exact opposite of Dallas, hide their terrible secondary with a ferocious pass rush.
selke99 - January 4, 2012
Uh you have that backwards.
selke99 - January 4, 2012
Giants have an atrocious secondary...
We score 14 points. When you have as many holes to fix as we do, you take BPA, whether that be an OL, DL, LB, ball hawking safety, or shutdown corner. I don’t know why everyone is arguing over who to take, too damn early!
selke99 - January 4, 2012
Sturm's article is must read here it is
http://www.foxsportssouthwest.com/01/01/12/Cowboys-season-over-but-dont-blame-Romo/landing_cowboys.html?blockID=637880&feedID=3742
byopp - January 2, 2012
Try http://sturminator.blogspot.com/
txnomad - January 2, 2012
Hear him!
You are an astute observer. Our old warhorses did their best, but they are 1)too old 2)too slow 3)too weak 4)too limited. With the exception of Ware, and Lee the defense is talentless. The offense has average players at the skill positions and below average everywhere else. Romo and Witten are the only real play-makers on the offense. Blame Jerry’s mistakes for our salary cap hell.
Lord_Butt - January 2, 2012
You have got be kidding. Are you actually suggesting that...
ROMO IS BIGGER THAN THE COWBOYS?
By the way, memes are what they are not because they are true or false, but because they are effective (at being communicated). They are subject to the logic of evolution, not of truth.
LDVFootball - January 2, 2012
The Onion for the Win
http://www.onionsportsnetwork.com/articles/dallas-cowboys-release-jerry-jones,2815/
Dallas Cowboys Release Jerry Jones
AustonianAggie - January 2, 2012
LOL, my wife read this on facebook and called me.
She believed it, too bad it’s a joke.
DIRE WOLF - January 2, 2012
Nice!
rabblerousr - January 2, 2012
I need to take it easy.
This team is killing my Mondays. It’s already a horrible day, but they take it to a new low. The way they lose ugh.
DCyanks21 - January 2, 2012
Yeah. Been saying it for years. Maybe I should finally practice what I preach.
dave33 - January 2, 2012
Same.
I just feel so bad for my favorite player, Romo. Dude gives it his all and still comes up short. None of it his fault.
DCyanks21 - January 2, 2012
Really?
They didn’t have the Jets, Lions, and Patriots beat? I mean hate when people say that this team doesn’t have the talent to win, they do, they need to add more talent, but they’ve got quite a good start to their team. Stop saying that they don’t have talent, even at your skills position myth, it isn’t a myth. They do have elite skills position players, I don’t think any one has ever insinuated that that’s enough to win a Super Bowl.
As far as the secondary goes…well the team’s worst player is in the secondary. Terrance Newman got burned play after play after play. Does that mean that secondary is the biggest need? Perhaps, certainly finding a better CB than Newman should be a hell of a lot easier than fixing the DL or finding someone better than Spencer, though. It even sounds like you’re saying that their worst players happen to play in the secondary, suggesting that is the biggest problem area on the team. However, that isn’t to say that it’s the biggest need. If you’re saying that a pass rush is more important than a secondary, I agree with you…but lets stop acting like the secondary isn’t where the worst players are.
As far as these “myths” go I don’t think anyone’s really saying this aside from the Romo stuff. Most people would be thrilled with David DeCastro in the draft fixing the OL, which you tend to highlight as a pretty big hole (the advanced stats don’t bear that out, though), and a lot of us would like to see Free moved back to RT where he excelled at in the past and Smith to LT given that he has shown he’s capable of playing.
Lets add another myth. The Cowboys have been rebuilding since 96, if that’s true the Ravens have been rebuilding since 2000 and the Pats since 2004.
Omar Little - January 2, 2012
I'll say here that Newman could have been disguised had he been in the Giants secondary.
Why? the pass rush wouldn’t have given the QB (in this scenario, Romo) time for him to be exposed…
rabblerousr - January 2, 2012
Maybe last night...
All season? Absolutely not. He was doing pretty well in the first few games but fell apart in the second half. He was the type of player where a QB would find pre-snap and immediately look at once he finished his drop or got set from the gun. I agree with a later poster that it’s a bit of a chicken/egg problem, Newman was well below replacement level in the second half and probably right around there for the whole season.
Omar Little - January 2, 2012
some plays yes
on the 75 yarder to Cruz, the play was a rollout and Eli got rid of the ball in under 2 seconds. I find it hard to blame the pass rush for that play.
foyesboys - January 2, 2012
that was such a simple route and Newman just lost it completely
somebodyquiet - January 2, 2012
What was Newman doing on that side of the field?
That should have been Jenkins.
Mikellie - January 3, 2012
"They do have elite skills position players, I don’t think any one has ever insinuated that that’s enough to win a Super Bowl."
When Jerry says that he could envision a long playoff run, isn’t that what he’s suggesting?
rabblerousr - January 2, 2012
Well what do you expect him to say?
“Yeah this team sucks, lolwhatevs” Of course he’ll talk the team up, even when he knew he’d fire Wade he never explicitly said that he’s a goner.
Omar Little - January 2, 2012
Well he should say this was very disappointing...
Why would he talk the team up? Is that what fans want to hear? That’s what complacent players like to hear, that, oh, this team was poised for a SB run as constructed, we just got unlucky and lost. What he should have said was we will use the offseason to evaluate every damn position (even QB, just for dramatic effect), and if you aren’t improving the team, you will be replaced.
selke99 - January 4, 2012
He should tell the truth.
We are rebuilding and have 2 new coaches. Give us another draft and off season.
fs65 - January 4, 2012
advanced stats?
six sacks tells me more
no running game tells me more
burmafrd1944 - January 2, 2012
So you don't agree with Sturm article?
Yes we had those teams beat but we didn’t finish the job because of our personnel. Against the Giants we almost came back from a 21 point deficit, cutting the lead to one TD. But we couldn’t finish the job because the Giants were simply better.
selke99 - January 4, 2012
So true Rabble
Football teams are nothing without the big guys in the front. We have some talent but not nearly enough to let the skill players shine. Romo made some questionable decisions early in the season, but he’s been incredible since, better that ELI.
I’m tired of him having to run for his life and yet he still makes plays that any other QB other than Big Ben could ever make.
I’m still optimistic about the Big Yuglies. Switching Free and Smith will happen. Holland is serviceable, but Costa and Kosier need to be upgraded. Nagy, Big K and Arkin have potential, buy get a FA G or C and draft DeCastro if he falls to us. I’d be happy with Konz also, but not at 14. Then go strictly D to improve the interior DL , OLB and CB. WE must be active but prudent in FA because the draft can’t address all our needs. We need a safety because Elam looked like T New yesterday, but I fear he’ll be resigned and we may have to grin and bear it
pfloyd1 - January 2, 2012
Well there's other options at center later in the draft too...
Brewster’s a pretty good player and Ben Jones from Georgia should be mid round picks. As far as the defense, signing Cortland Finnegan to take over for Newman should see some improvement. Non first round targets for the draft:
Osemele, Ben Jones, Michael Brewster, Brandon Thompson, Josh Chapman, Jared Crick, Andre Branch, Cam Johnson, Jamell Flemming, Leonard Johnson, Shaun Prater, Harrison Smith, and Mark Barron.
Omar Little - January 2, 2012
Omar you are right. That Kid Jones from Georgia is a player I really like at Center. Konz is the best but not at 14.
I’ve stated that if we are smart and can get rid of bad players and bad contracts and be more prudently active in FA , we’ll be nicely positioned for the daft. This draft plays into our needs nicely and between the two we can add at least 5 quality starters. If that happens, it should raise the play of some of the guys, like Sensi and Spencer, etal,. that BTBers have been concerned about.
pfloyd1 - January 2, 2012
DeCastro or Konz
I would consider Kirpatrick if he falls…but outside of him – go Best O line (hopefully DeCastro) at 14 and “Forgetaboutit!”
Rome One - January 2, 2012
FA corners are
usually an expensive proposition. I say go after N.O. guard Carl Nicks and pay the man. He is an elite guard now and you know what you are getting. With the signing of Nicks, it frees up your draft to improve the defense.
jevans1729 - January 2, 2012
Guards can be expensive too...remember Steve Hutchinson?
Omar Little - January 2, 2012
I also remember L Davis
He was expensive and after 2 serviceable years, really declined. We tried drafting OL on the cheap before – Brewtser, McQuistan, et al. Hopeful one of our G’s is on the roster in Akin or Kowalski, but likely not both. If we don’t take DeCastro at 14, we better be taking that Wisconsin C in the 3rd
SBN has us taking Dennard at 14, PHL right after us takes Kuechly from BC
tdships - January 2, 2012
Brain cramp
Meant Zeitler, the G from WI
tdships - January 2, 2012
Yeah that's another guy too...
The Wisconsin Center you’re thinking of, Peter Konz, will be gone in the first. I really think DeCastro is the best pick. I just hope some other team doesn’t snatch him up before Dallas does. Yes the secondary needs work but I like Cortland Finnegan given the Asomugha contract and his reputation I think he’ll end up signing a reasonable contract. To me DeCastro/Finnegan seems to be the better option than Nicks/Kirkpatrick or Dennard.
Omar Little - January 2, 2012
no on konz
his medical condition and our luck is a bad combination
burmafrd1944 - January 2, 2012
He's been fine since he was a freshman
I’d probably trust the medical staff on the Cowboys on this issue…more to learn at the Combine.
Omar Little - January 2, 2012
I watched Dennard
today and the kid is pretty good. He is only 5’10" tall but plays really good press coverage and has strong hands and reroutes receivers well. Too bad he got thrown out of the game. I’m not a big Kirkpatrick/Finnegan fan but I could live with Nicks and Dennard. I would really do serious research on Janoris Jenkins and find out how about his situation today.
jevans1729 - January 2, 2012
Wes is saying that Dennard is a 4.5 CB if that's true then i'm not sure I want to draft him
somebodyquiet - January 2, 2012
We do not want Dennard.
He got his lunch handed to him today. It was ugly.
DarthGrumpa - January 2, 2012
Yeah but that was against Jeffrey who takes most CBs lunches and eats them
right in front of the guys
StrosSouth - January 3, 2012
Yeah,
but it was Steve Hutchinson and that deal was totally whack. I’m not saying Nicks would be cheap but rather he fits what’s needed and is an elite player. The guy is going to have suitors and we are definitely in the market.
jevans1729 - January 2, 2012
Excellent Post Rabble.
dave33 - January 2, 2012
"Fix the pass rush and the secondary will follow."
Ah, the old ‘chicken-and-egg’ dilemma (and by the way, thanks for the article). No doubt the secondary would have looked a lot better if Eli had been under constant pressure last night, but it’s not just passing where they have failed. The Cowboys should just evaluate their relative weaknesses on defense and address those first. I think they could use fresh talent just about anywhere on D.
“Tony Romo can’t win in December.”
This myth is also historically (and trivially) true. He has elite stats, especially this year, so he’s performing. But the Cowboys’ December woes go deeper than weariness and injuries; all teams have those. They just don’t finish the season with a sense of purpose, with focus, and to my mind, this echoes their problem of not finishing games. That’s why they’re vulnerable to Emmitt Smith’s criticism that they ‘lack heart’. Is that synonymous with ‘lack leadership’?
Right or wrong, QBs get credit for wins and blame for losses. Maybe Tony’s leadership is problematic—and that is far from clear—but at least he’s leading by example. That’s why the ’can’t win in December’ trope is true but not necessarily significant.
VoldeMart - January 2, 2012
I'll argue that some players lead by example
And its hard not to see, in Romo’s performance, that he’s leading—i.e., picking up his game when its needed most (and when others’ games are dropping off).
rabblerousr - January 2, 2012
Yep. But this season, he hasn't even had to pick up his game.
Just like Ware and Lee, and maybe Jenkins on defense (statistically, I could even make the case for Newman here…but i won’t). He hasn’t so much picked up his game as maintained it at a high level.
That gives him authority on the team. Could he do more with his authority? Maybe, maybe not. I don’t know what he’s like with his teammates. But I’ll take 10 more on O with his talent and attitude.
I guess my point in all this would be—in addition to largely agreeing with you— ‘Who cares if Tony can’t win in December?" I care if the Cowboys win in January and February. Seems the Tony Romo December myth—even if true—is not particularly useful. Too many obvious problem areas to address before we get to him.
VoldeMart - January 2, 2012
well, my point is that its NOT true...
and its pernicious precisely because it allows people to overlook the global problems with the team
rabblerousr - January 2, 2012
Bingo.
Fernie67 - January 2, 2012
Like the fashionistas singin'...
… the “Curse of the Blues” pre-game?
tanstaafl - January 2, 2012
Spagnola fired by the Rams.
pfloyd1 - January 2, 2012
He sucks
He sucks…did I mention that he sucks?
Rome One - January 2, 2012
By the way -
Spags sucks.
Rome One - January 2, 2012
He doesn't suck.
He is another one of those guys that is a great coordinator but bad head coach. Most coordinators that are hired as head coaches go into a situation where the team sucks and has little talent. They usually need 3-4 years to get the issues fixed and some owners just aren’t patient enough to allow that. I’d love to see him in Dallas as a coordinator.
Mikellie - January 3, 2012
His defenses are pretty good...well they were with the Giants
I hope he doesn’t go to Philly.
Omar Little - January 2, 2012
He won't go to Philly
They play the “Wide nine”
They would have to fire Washburn…which they won’t.
Rome One - January 2, 2012
Spags will go to New York
Become heir apparent for Coughlin.
Bank it…
Rome One - January 2, 2012
As a DC I mean. As a HC he's no better than Wade.
pfloyd1 - January 2, 2012
Washburn has that wide ninesense going in Philly
Spags wants no part of that…
Rome One - January 2, 2012
didn't St Louis Run the Wide 9?
I am Ironman!!! - January 4, 2012
Don't think so.
selke99 - January 4, 2012
Polian by the Colts too...
Omar Little - January 2, 2012
Now that's surprising.
pfloyd1 - January 2, 2012
this draft is too easy : )
First Round – David DeCastro or Peter Konz
One if not both will be there at 14.
Kosier just went down for sadly the last time.
Costa is a stop-gap at center at best.
Dallas needs a STUD Guard (DeCastro) or Center (Wisconsin strongman Konz)
And to Chia Crack and all the CB / Defensive guys out there…remember the mixed feeling we all had about Tyron Smith and how we brag about him now…
The same thing will happen with either DeCastro or Konz…they are SAFE picks. And they are by far the best at their positions…just like Tyron.
Guys like Johnathan Banks will be there at Dallas’ slot in the second round.
Rome One - January 2, 2012
Totally agree that if DeCastro is there we race to the podium as soon as we're on the clock.
I’d probably draft Ingram if DeCastro’s gone. If they took Konz though I certainly wouldn’t shed a tear.
pfloyd1 - January 2, 2012
Aside from Lee, who really improved a lot this year over last?
DIRE WOLF - January 2, 2012
T Smith unless you mean from last year.
pfloyd1 - January 2, 2012
only, otherwise training camp seemed to really affect us.
pfloyd1 - January 2, 2012
He's a rookie, try agian.
DIRE WOLF - January 2, 2012
no one else.
This team has done what its always done, fade rather than improve as the year progresses.
pfloyd1 - January 2, 2012
Jenkins
that guy sucked in 2010.
Scandrick was a whipping boy in 2010, hes played much better since Garrett took over.
I thought Ratliff played better. He made a pretty consistent impact on games.
Hatcher didn’t do awful in his starting role.
Elam was a massive improvement over Ball.
Offensively…can’t think of anyone. Murray for those 6 games over Felix the previous year.
But your point is a good one – I should be able to think of more than 5 guys who’ve improved.
foyesboys - January 2, 2012
Jenkins and Dez showed some signs
StrosSouth - January 2, 2012
Jenkins was good as a rookie and regressed last year, now he's back playing like he did his rookie year, he back to even.
Dez was a little better, at least he knew more than 2 routes, but nothing to write home about IMO.
DIRE WOLF - January 2, 2012
Dez showed a good deal more than last year. He and lots of other young players
who are relatively still raw were hurt by the lockout. I expect more from Dez this next season after having a full off season and more time J.Robinson
StrosSouth - January 2, 2012
did you mean as a sophomore, because as a rookie he sucked like last year
ratware - January 2, 2012
uhhhhhhhhh
uhhhhhhh
yehti - January 2, 2012 via mobile
Jason Hatcher was pretty solid
I_miss_Switzer - January 2, 2012
Lissemore played a lot better and was earning more and more snaps
I think he can start with Hatcher for us next year
somebodyquiet - January 2, 2012
Lissemore, Romo and Jenkins are the only ones that come to mind, but it’s tough to draw too many conclusions from that since we had new starters at 9 positions or so, depending on how you want to consider players injured most of the year.
Shinywalrus - January 3, 2012
No, CB should be the top priority.
Dallas is tied for 7th in sacks but ranks 25th in opponents’ passer rating (even worse than the Saints, despite New Orleans only tying for 19th in sacks).
There’s always been a symbiotic relationship between pass rushing and coverage, but in the current NFL the weight has shifted toward the secondary. CB is the single most important defensive position in the NFL today. Even the lousy Green Bay defense has Pro Bowler Charles Woodson, who’s leading the league in INTs. The Packers rank 9th in passer rating and are tied for 27th in sacks.
When Dallas does get pressure, QBs of varying quality are able to release the ball quick and complete it to an open receiver. The pass rush needs to be upgraded too, but to give it a chance we need a DB crew who can reliably cover for at least two or three seconds. Right now we don’t have that.
krl97a - January 2, 2012
You can get a quality corner in the first three rounds, so stick to your board and don't reach.
pfloyd1 - January 2, 2012
The odds of drafting a mediocre corner increase dramatically with each round.
krl97a - January 2, 2012
True, but stick with your board, go BPA, we have many needs not just at CB.
pfloyd1 - January 2, 2012
Jonathan Banks - Miss State
Second Round…no attitude.
Rome One - January 2, 2012
That would be great if he declares.
pfloyd1 - January 2, 2012
BPA got you Dez Bryant who I think is very talented
But since then Dallas went 6 and 10 & now 8 and 8. No immediate impact and the window is closing on them. You could argue Laurent Robinson had more impact.
Martin79 - January 2, 2012
The Eagles added
DRC and Nnamdi to their secondary in one year AND regressed.
Corner have little effect on the game versus other positions.
Don’t buy the hype.
Rome One - January 2, 2012
For example -
DeMarco Murray can run the ball.
Here’s how to improve your defense…
Draft David DeCastro…build a wicked side of the line with Tyron Smith and run the rock…each first down takes a minute off the clock and keeps the opponent’s offense on the bench – thus helping your defense instantly.
Get it?
Rome One - January 2, 2012
Funny
Can he pick the ball off or stop Eli more than once a game?
Martin79 - January 2, 2012
we could have kept him off the field the first half and rested the D
but yeah a ballhawk instead of Tnew and Elam would help
liquidblake - January 2, 2012
Wouldn't it be nice to protect Tony with DeCastro so he'll be as prolific as Roders, Brees, Brady.
Then go D in Roungs2-4
pfloyd1 - January 2, 2012
Rodgers
Rounds
pfloyd1 - January 2, 2012
If we get DeCastro I think we should keep him at RG.
Next to Free at RT next year.
fs65 - January 4, 2012
he's so good he might find a way to do it
lol
ratware - January 2, 2012
Rome One im in complete agreement
how many blown 4 th quarter leads would have been different with a solid Oline and a good running game? NE? Det? 1st NY lose?
that alone might have added 2-3 more wins by itself.
fix the lines and things will start to fall into place better for Dallas
yehti - January 2, 2012 via mobile
Well...
They added a great pass rusher too…so maybe it’s adding Babbin that hurt? I mean honestly, Asomugha regressed terribly and DRC was always kind of overrated to begin with. I think Asomugha will be better next year anyways…
Omar Little - January 2, 2012
Not worried about the Eagles secondary
Asomugha was shown to be overrated this year. Talk in Philly is they’ll release Asante Samuel which will make Namadi their #1 and DRC their #2. I have no problem with Miles and Dez matching up with those two.
It’s our O-line vs. their D-line that concerns me.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 2, 2012
Do you honestly think Asomugha's as bad as he played this year?
To your main point: so you’re on the David DeCastro band wagon, then I take it?
Omar Little - January 2, 2012
Haven't started draft prep. In general I don't think this team is 1 elite guard away from being good, all 3 interior O-line positions are bad
I think Asomugah is proven to be overrated. Playing 6 games a year against terrible AFC west teams he looked good. Facing off against the elite WR corps you get in the NFC East he looks average.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 2, 2012
Well I'm not suggesting draft DeCastro and put a bow on the team...
Omar Little - January 2, 2012
Well...
…it’s not like he’s getting younger. If he were recovering from injury, then maybe, but he’s not.
danielt - January 4, 2012
Scrabble has been regressing the last couple of years.
Rena - January 2, 2012
Scrabble's an incredible nick name.
Omar Little - January 2, 2012
I like Law Firm, too.
fs65 - January 4, 2012
I'll take three more 'no immediate impact' receivers at 9 TDs apiece, thanks.
VoldeMart - January 2, 2012
If they progress the same amount next year and the year after they're 10-6 then 12-4.
Omar Little - January 2, 2012
That's the other meme to do away with:
“we’re not rebuilding”
rabblerousr - January 2, 2012
Well...
They are keeping the same core, so it’s hard to re-build when you keep the same core of a team, I’d say right now they’re just building.
Omar Little - January 2, 2012
I think this team is in rebuilding mode when you roughly 20 contracts
expiring today
StrosSouth - January 2, 2012
I think this was the case
in the off season just no one would use the R word
BWAREofDWARE94 - January 2, 2012
Neither player is a huge cog of the team though
If the Packers lose AJ Hawk, Chad Clifton, James Starks, John Kuhn, Mark Trauscher, and a bunch of back ups does that mean that they’re rebuilding?
Besides, I have a feeling that Fiametta and Robinson will be back. There’s several players that are on their way out that are just average and can easily be improved upon. So losing Alan Ball, Terrance Newman, Keith Brooking, Abe Elam, John Kitna, Martellus Bennett, David Buehler, Anthony Spencer, and Derrick Dockery means that the team’s rebuilding? Sounds to me like cutting dead weight more than anything.
Omar Little - January 2, 2012
Cutting dead weight
is what they are doing….just takes time to replace all those positions with the right talent….I am just asking if they would have used the rebuilding word (which this team needs to do) would the expectations been lower? I love the Cowboys….just think JJ does not ever want to be in rebuilding mode as it hurts his brand or so he thinks.
I think the moves were needed and look forward to more house cleaning this off-season
BWAREofDWARE94 - January 2, 2012
Yeah, realistically he should have used the uncapped year to make all the right cuts.
But he had a good team the year before and he wanted to host a Super Bowl, bad move? Yes. Defensible? Of course. It’s hard to make all the cuts he made last year and then add Brooking, Bradie, Newman, Ball, Buehler, Bennett, Ogletree, and everyone else to that list too.
Omar Little - January 2, 2012
I agree
it is easy for us to talk about cutting everyone but you must field a 53 man roster too.
BWAREofDWARE94 - January 2, 2012
A
rebuildingrose by any other name…tanstaafl - January 2, 2012
Sure, but the biggest need is CB.
And there are quality CBs taken in the top 14 virtually every year.
krl97a - January 2, 2012
You need pass rushers
before CB….no corner can cover for 5-6 seconds effectively in the NFL
BWAREofDWARE94 - January 2, 2012
No. If your secondary can't even cover 2-4 seconds you're screwed...
….no matter how good your pass rush is.
krl97a - January 2, 2012
Good pass rush turns 2-4 seconds into a sack
BWAREofDWARE94 - January 2, 2012
Throw a CB in the mix
and not fix the pass rush you will then call the CB over rated….slow…etc
BWAREofDWARE94 - January 2, 2012
Like Deion said..........Both!!
DIRE WOLF - January 2, 2012
Not if your secondary can't cover that long, as I just said.
Both need to be improved, but, again, Dallas ranked 7th in sacks and an atrocious 25th in opponents’ passer rating. The pass rush needs to be more consistent but it was clearly was working a lot of the time. The secondary was worse.
krl97a - January 2, 2012
I think
we are saying the same thing just using different positions…I agree a CB upgrade is needed….I think we need to upgrade the pass rusher first as they are harder to find…IMO and then address CB in later rounds..
BWAREofDWARE94 - January 2, 2012
I don't trust this team's ability to draft well in later rounds.
CB is of such pressing need that it can’t be put off another year. If they don’t draft one they need to sign a starting quality FA.
krl97a - January 2, 2012
Im actually looking forward to seeing how Mario Butler progresses
goin into TC with a full off season in RR scheme
StrosSouth - January 2, 2012
Fine, but as with Bruce Carter....
You can’t assume anything because the need is too great. You have to operate under the assumption that the pick was a bust. Anything you get from those guys is a bonus.
krl97a - January 2, 2012
Why should anyone look at it as bust? Thats a defeatist
attitude. This franchise new very well that might not even have Carter for the entire season. I pretty sure they already have him penciled in as the the starter next to Lee for next season without question.
StrosSouth - January 2, 2012
No, it's smart and responsible.
“Without question”? Are you out of your mind? The guy is totally unproven at the position. At the very least we need to draft an alternative to compete with him just in case.
krl97a - January 3, 2012
We already have Lemon and Allbright to back up
the position. why spend another DP on on an ILB when we have bigger issues in the secondary?
StrosSouth - January 3, 2012
"Back up"? We need a new starter.
The secondary does have bigger issues, but fortunately we have more than one draft pick. We can get a starting quality ILB after the first round.
krl97a - January 3, 2012
Our new starting ILB is BRUCE CARTER end of story.
StrosSouth - January 3, 2012
LOL, and if it turns out he sucks?
Like some of the other recent experimental transplants to ILB have? You’d be fine with a weak defensive middle and another wasted season when we could have addressed the problem this off season?
No, I have high hopes for Carter but I prefer to cover my bases.
krl97a - January 3, 2012
I think an ILB in the higher rounds is a
waste right now with both Lee and Carter starting and Lemon and most likely one cheap vet in FA. If Carter cant do it then in 2013 draft another ILB. The secondary is now vacant other than Jenkins and we need pass rusher to replace Spencer who is about to walk( good riddance is more like it) before we draft ILB again in the higher rounds.
StrosSouth - January 3, 2012
You might be able to find a good ILB in the mid rounds.
At least someone who isn’t switching positions.
krl97a - January 5, 2012
a mediocre corner would be pretty welcome
but I know what you mean
I_miss_Switzer - January 2, 2012
"in the current NFL the weight has shifted toward the secondary"
I couldn’t disagree more. And I think the draft positions of pass rushers versus cover guys would suggest that NFL personnel guys agree with me…
rabblerousr - January 2, 2012
No, "pass rushers" lumps in many different positions together, and most of them involve controlling the run too.
That said, in 2010 you had a S (#5) and CB (#7) taken before any defensive player but two DTs (not a premier sack position), and though 2011 was a monster year for DEs, CB Peterson went at #5 as the third defensive player behind only one DT and one OLB. Even in 2009, a down year for DBs, Malcolm Jenkins was taken at #14.
In 2007 by my quick count there were 7 DBs taken in the first round (including #6 and #14), versus a combined 5 DEs (counting 3-4 DEs) and 3-4 style OLBs (Anthony Spencer was the only one). In 2008 there were 6 DBs (5 CBs and 1 S) taken in the first round, versus 4 DEs (no 3-4 style OLBs were taken). In 2010 there were 7 DBs taken in the first round (5 CBs and 2 Ss) versus a combined 4 DEs/3-4 style OLBs.
So even if one goes by recent drafting precedent and generously counts run stuffing, 3-4 DEs, it’s hardly as clear cut as you suggest. There are certainly CBs going in the top 14 year in and year out.
krl97a - January 2, 2012
100% Agree
the pass rusher is more important in this day and age
BWAREofDWARE94 - January 2, 2012
Jets don't have any pass rushers but 1 elite CB
and they’ve been a very good defense.
I don’t think it’s so easy to pick just a pass rusher or just a secondary talent.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 2, 2012
Jets ranked 20th in scoring D this year
too
BWAREofDWARE94 - January 2, 2012
They had a negative turnover ratio.
It didn’t help that Sanchez threw 18 INTs. They ranked 5th in total defense. The reason yards are given primacy in rankings is because they better isolate and describe a unit’s performance over a season, whereas points allowed are more heavily influenced by factors like offense or special teams.
Last year the Jets were 6th in scoring defense and 3rd in yardage.
krl97a - January 5, 2012
In 2009 they were #1 in both categories, despite having fewer sacks than they did this year.
krl97a - January 5, 2012
If anything things have flipped the other way.
In an era of quick, high volume passing where QBs often release the ball before even great rushers have a chance to disrupt the play, it makes sense that coverage ability is more important than it was back when passing plays often took longer to develop. Both are critical, but if your secondary can’t even take the quick release stuff away you’re screwed no matter how good your pass rush is.
krl97a - January 2, 2012
You are right...
The trench guys are starting to get more love, both in draft and free agency. OL and pass rush guys.
Great post by the way. Always love your posts. Not too homer like some of the other stuff here.
selke99 - January 4, 2012
Nice Rabble.
When Collinsworth was talking about how Victor Butler was beating our double coverage consistenly last night, I was thinking, yeah, bad double coverage. I can hang with Jenkins and Scandrick, and I guess we’re kind of stuck with Sensabaugh, but we still need two starters in the secondary, two at linebacker, (hopefully one of them is Carter, and the other is a really solid OLB), and one top flight defensive end.
I think we can use Lissemore and Brent, but we need someone to collapse the pocket at DE. By having someone to collapse the pocket, it totally breaks down blocking schemes, and helps others get to the QB.
White Wolf - January 2, 2012
Memories...
Mmm. Mmm.
Memories, light the cornerbacks of my mind
Misty silver & blue color memories of the way we were.
Scattered pictures of the yellow flags we left behind
first downs we give to one wr and another
for the way we were.
Can it be that it was all zone coverage then
or has Victor Cruz raced through every yard line?
If we had the chance to do it all again
tell me would we? “Hell No!”
Could we? “I hope not!”
Memories, may be beautiful and yet
what’s too painful to remember
we simply choose to forget. “Like last night?”
So it’s the laughter about fullbacks leaping over me we will remember
whenever we rememberthe way we were. (see photo above.)
Goodbye dear Terrance…Goodbye.
Rome One - January 2, 2012
HA
yehti - January 2, 2012 via mobile
That is phenomenal.
How this hasn’t been rec’d I don’t understand. You get one from me.
Funny stuff right there.
Nickthegrip - January 2, 2012
Of course the talent upgrade is needed at ertain positions, that's a no-brainer. But I can't believe so many here are letting the coaches off easy.
There were a lot of posts this year (well done) about the origiins of Garrett’s offense, how it was based on Coryell and on longer routes, and not a West Coast Offense.
I remember during the nice 2007 run wondering, tho, how long Dallas and JG and Romo could make a liviing on those long passes. They had TO and a halfway decent OL but in the NFL can you really make a living having your WR’s run longer routes, and thus making your QB hold the ball? This is not rhetorical: The answer is NO.
Look at the second half last night. How hard is it? The routes got shorter, the ball came out quickly in timing routes, and the Cowboys hold the ball and drive! This is today’s NFL offense. Can Garrett not figure that his hit and miss, high-risk high-reward offense is not going to work long-term?? Sure, against weak teams it can rack up points and yards, but against good D’s it struggles. It’s only Tony Romo’s escape ability that’s allowed any success at all this year.
Run shorter routes with Dez and Miles, bring those safeties up closer, THEN go over the top.
Seems obvious to me, but then it has for 5 years now, as he gets called a “Genius” around here.
And RYan, I hated the hire, and saw nothing to build confidence. He’s got nothing to offer. I’m tired of posting about him. Good QB’s aren’t afraid of his little tricks. THey just plan for it, and the more he blitzes they just laugh, because it leaves holes all over.
Realist Larry - January 2, 2012
and when he rushed 3-4 and dropped 7-8 incoverage it did no better.
this tells me its on the players not on RR.
yehti - January 2, 2012 via mobile
We need a play maker on the defensive side.
A corner or safety that can get game changing picks or a bull rusher who can help Ware generate more sacks and force fumbles.
DCyanks21 - January 2, 2012
i was screaming for someone on D to make a play
it cant be Lee everytime. Dallas deffinetely needs a couple more play makers on defense as well
yehti - January 2, 2012 via mobile
We should have a game changer at each level.
Ware
Lee
?
DCyanks21 - January 2, 2012
should = key
yehti - January 2, 2012 via mobile
Lets give him some young talent and not over the hill washed up vets and guys who should
never have made it on a HS roster first
StrosSouth - January 2, 2012
"Air Garrett" or whatever...
… Coryell, West Coast, yada, yada, yada, blah, blah, blah…
Here’s your hint: Who’d Schramm interview before Landry?
tanstaafl - January 2, 2012
Who?
selke99 - January 4, 2012
Garrett is called a genius because of internet marketing
Not because of any demonstrated coaching skill. It took him until the second half to discover the Giants had a strong pass rush? And that he needed to shorten the drops and routes, and go for quick releases? And amazingly enough, this offensive line almost everyone here despises with a passion suddenly was giving Romo plenty of time to carve up the pathetic Giants secondary. Amazing how that works! But hey, maybe we need to draft three guards this year, so Romo can stand back in the pocket for half a minute waiting for Dez Bryant to wake up after he quits his route and is just milling around in a crowd of defenders.
The problems are much deeper than just coaching, Garrett’s inexperience and lack of feel for the game is suboptimizing this team.
Very insightful post. Recommended.
kindablue - January 2, 2012
Sometimes I worry...
That Garrett doesn’t evaluate himself Ora low someone close and trusted on his staff to question him during the week. Can’t be true can it?
Garrett needs to spend some more time in the offseason with Jimmy to go over first year growing pains ie. Clock and timeout management.
selke99 - January 4, 2012
excellent post imaginary mobile rec
yehti - January 2, 2012 via mobile
Speaking of memes...let's bury the one about a certain WR
63 Recs, 928 Yards, 9 TDs in his second year… and people still dog him even though it seems that the bracket coverage is now shifted his way more often than on Miles.
So can the pitchforks and torches about his “focus” and “maturity” on the field leave already? The guy makes plays.
Rat-Pack - January 2, 2012
Agreed.
DCyanks21 - January 2, 2012
+88
I think people WANT to dislike Dez for some reason.
Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) - January 2, 2012
I think so too.
Looks at 5Blings and Dire Wolf
Rat-Pack - January 2, 2012
I don't dislike Dez, I just want him to live up to his billing.
He was a #1 pick that Dallas moved up to get. People on here say it takes 3 years to become a top WR in the NFL, next year he should shine. Right!
DIRE WOLF - January 2, 2012
That's it. A guy taken that high has to produce even with double teams.
That’s what top WR’s do.
Realist Larry - January 2, 2012
AJ Green and Julio Jones disagree.
It shouldn’t take 3 years!
Damnsammit - January 2, 2012
Torrey Smith, too.
All of these guys did well in their rookie years.
Dez needs to step it up a notch. He’s good, but he needs to be great next year.
Damnsammit - January 2, 2012
Green and jones were also more polished coming out of college than Dez
StrosSouth - January 2, 2012
True...
All I am saying is that there is some opinions that players get a pass for a year or two if they aren’t living up to expectations. And then some will say that “it takes time”.
Well it doesn’t always take time. Some rookies hit the ground running, and Dez was not one of them. Sorry, but if you are getting millions of dollars, you should be able to have the playbook memorized forwards and backwards before you ever step foot on an NFL field.
Damnsammit - January 2, 2012
I too expect a lot from a 1st round pick but I also am able to realize that
some players are still raw and will take time to develop. Dez is one of those guys. He showed a good deal of improvement this year as the season wore on. He was hurt like a lot of young guys in the NFL by the lockout. I think with him finally having a full off season and being his second with Jimmy Robinson we will see an even better Dez.
StrosSouth - January 2, 2012
some do, some don't
Receivers seem to mature at different ages. I won’t discredit Dez for that when so many wrs take till their 3rd year to break out.
I will admit though, I may be a little too hard on Dez – I have really high expectations for the guy. He has played well so far. It just feels like he should be dominating this league to me.
foyesboys - January 2, 2012
He has all the physical ability on the planet.
He needs to learn to play football just not rely solely on his natural ability. Then he can be great.
pfloyd1 - January 2, 2012
He has potential, the thing that gets coaches, scouts and GMs fired.
DIRE WOLF - January 2, 2012
Ummm
didn’t we JUST throw out numbers proving he’s on his way to being great? You make it sound like he’s a bust and he has to get it together
Rat-Pack - January 2, 2012
58 yards a game?
DIRE WOLF - January 2, 2012
puts him 27th among wrs
yea thats why I’ve been a little disappointed, but its not bad – hes been a red zone monster as well.
foyesboys - January 2, 2012
I wish I had written about this (slaps forehead)
great call, Rat!
rabblerousr - January 2, 2012
dang I forgot another part of it
“That Romo doesn’t trust him”
Rat-Pack - January 2, 2012
Saw something in the Bucs game.
Dez’s routes looked a lot sharper. Especially on the slant. Romo threw balls to him and he made the correct cuts. In the NE game Dez rounded out and the ball was intercepted. Shows how much he developed over the weeks. He’s fine.
DCyanks21 - January 2, 2012
yes aside from ogletree who doesnt matter, when you look at each WR and where they are at in their careers
Miles had the worst season and underperformed by a vast margin. Funny when Bennett(i despies him) drops the ball its “oh he sucks, he cant catch, he cant focus” or when Dez does “dez cant study a playbook, he’s a terrible route runner, etc”
but then when its Miles consistently off on his routes or “losing it in the lights” its Romo not hitting him in stride or making a poor throw
Miles needs to bounce back, this is now two sub-par seasons after 2009
starbury_to_s-jaxci2000 - January 2, 2012
Well...
He had a back up QB in 2010 and was hurt in 2011
Omar Little - January 2, 2012
That's wrong
If you want to criticize Miles for always being injured: Ok
If you want to criticize him for lack of efficient production that’s wrong. Dez Yards/Game 61.9
TDs/Game .6
Miles: 57.9 yards/game .7 Tds/Game
NYHorn - January 2, 2012
People forget that he missed what, 2 or 3 games?
So wouldn’t that make him a 1,000 + yard receiver with 9 TDs (prob would have had over 10 if he played those games too)…that sounds pretty good to me, especially considering the constant double teams.
WVCowboys_Fan - January 2, 2012
930
NYHorn - January 2, 2012
I'm saying if he had played all of the games this season
He would most certainly have broke 1,000 yards and probably 10+ TDs
WVCowboys_Fan - January 2, 2012
Oh probably
If he hadn’t been injured that would’ve helped
NYHorn - January 2, 2012
Ahhh, the wonderful world of If
Where leprechauns fill their pots with golden unicorn crap by the light of the blue-and-silvery rainbow.
Or is that one unicorn’s rainbow crapped is another leprechaun’s gold?
tanstaafl - January 2, 2012
Hey
I wasn’t the one who made the point. I was just confirming his theory.
If ifs and buts were candy and nuts
NYHorn - January 2, 2012
Hey, NYH
Wasn’t naysaying or making fun of or siding yea/nay about any point, anything like that, just saying what a wonderful world If is…
And wondering if…
ahhh, forget it.
tanstaafl - January 2, 2012
He did this all while struggling injuries and missing a few games too.
See the thing about Dez’s off the field issues were that he just owed people money, he wasn’t making it rain, tuning up his old lady, or pointing guns at people. He just owed people money, which yes is an issue, but it’s not a huge character flaw at where Dez is at in life. Someone asked him if his mother was a prostitute at the draft combine, and like a man he had a hostile reaction to such an accusation. Putting his family above himself knowing full well it could come back to hurt him. Yeah, he did some dumb things with his money his rookie year. What rookie doesn’t? Allen Iverson lived paycheck to paycheck his whole career and that didn’t hurt him on the court. Give a man in his early 20s a lot of cash and he’ll make some bad decisions, I know I would. However, it’s something that can be fixed. You can sit a man down with some financial professionals and teach him how to manage his money.
Omar Little - January 2, 2012
To expand on that a little.
It is common for expected high 1st round draft picks to get large loans before the draft on the expectation of a large payday. Dez was no different, only thing is he slid down to us at 24, so his payday was a lot lower than projected.
Was what he did dumb? IMO yes, however it is part of the culture and considered normal in his circumstances.
Rena - January 2, 2012
I only called out people above
because when Dez’s loan “scandal” broke, I think Omar, Chia and I were the only one defending him. Half of this community was ready to trade the WR over a petty legal squabble. People have to realize if there is a hole in a Cowboys player ANYWHERE, it’s magnified by a 100 times, it’s part of the responsibility of the Star. Dez and Romo get dogged more than any Cowboys, but they are great NFL players…
Just like we as Cowboy fans should not always lap up the Valley Ranch kool-aid, we should not always buy in to the mainstream media Cowboy hatred.
Rat-Pack - January 2, 2012
I mean yeah...
He owed people money and got thrown out of a mall. Rolando McClain put a gun to someone’s head and pulled the trigger right next to someone’s ear. Erik Walden spent the weekend in jail for beating up his girlfriend. Aqib Talib fired a weapon at his sister’s boyfriend. Now there’s a guy with Character issues.
Omar Little - January 2, 2012
Though back at Bryant
I still think he needs to work on his conditioning for his style of play. He’s a straight up beast on the field and he plays like he’s the biggest guy on the field despite being a WR. In order to do that he has to have top-notch conditioning and be in better shape than anyone else on the field. Needs a bit of Jerry Rice, Michael Irvin, or TO style conditioning and workouts. However, he’s still a young receiver and he’s still figuring out what works for him. He’s still got all the potential in the world.
Omar Little - January 2, 2012
Dez and other young raw players in the league were all hurt by the lockout
StrosSouth - January 2, 2012
When he tweets what he eats it's always some awful fried food that guys like us eat
Omar Little - January 2, 2012
I dont do twitter but I also know that most of these guys have cheat days
StrosSouth - January 3, 2012
4 carches a game! less than 60 yards a game!
They play 16 games now, you know.
Nothing special about those stats for a guy picked high and even traded away for.
Realist Larry - January 2, 2012
puts him 29th in receptions, 27th in tds among wrs
considering the talent around him, thats not terrible. Hes better than that though.
If this becomes the norm, it will be disappointing, but we’ll see how he does next year.
foyesboys - January 2, 2012
Great article Rabble
One of your best IMO. Sorry that it was spawned from such a crap ending to the year :(
LucyFur3d - January 2, 2012
More and more, I believe the problem with our drafting
is that we don’t have an identity. How is it that the Giants ALWAYS have killer defensive linemen? It’s because THAT’S their identity. Sure, they have down years, but when they win, they win with their defense line (nothing against Manning who I think is a high quality, if not elite, QB).
Other teams that are regularly competitive draft within their identities, too. They know what it takes to make their schemes successful and they go and get those players. We seem to draft scattershot. Even at our best, we are mostly a finesse team made up of guys who are individually good but not built around anything solid. At our worst, we are a hot mess.
Garrett seems to have a vision for our offense (as witnessed by the oline overhaul) but is there evidence that he has the acquisition ‘eye’ necessary to turn that unit into a GB, NO or NE level group? And can he stop Jerry from grabbing shiny toys?
On D, I don’t even know where to begin. Jimmy’s bunch was fast and smart. Seems like that’s what Rob needs too but does he know how to get it and will Jerry let him?
AikmanGeneration - January 2, 2012
It seems every time we have switched HC's we have switched to their dream of what we should be.
IMO this leads to what you are calling a “scatter-shot” approach. Nice description btw.
Rena - January 2, 2012
No Identity because our GM is not a football man.
pfloyd1 - January 2, 2012
Does this express your feelings?
Fester McDougal - January 2, 2012
That was the Lions game for me
Rat-Pack - January 2, 2012
Many predicted the failure
It was obvious that we were unloading players and cap money so we might be competative in 2012.
The East was so pathetic that we could make a run for the Div. title with an 8-8 record.
Doesn’t this team only have one all pro player on it?
I am a fan of The Dallas Cowboys and havebeen since thier inception.I aqm not a fan of thier ass clown general manager who needs to go back to Ark. and let the coaches and scouts remake us into America’s Team.
TCB Orange Dino - January 2, 2012
Add Courtney Upshaw to pair up with Demarcus Ware.
And grab a solid space eating DL to add some weight on the line to free up the pass rushing LBs a little bit more and seal off the edge better. If that happens, I figure my 5’9 145lbs arse can play DB for you guys and you’ll still end up OK on defense.
BigBlueIntervention - January 2, 2012
I'm not sold on Upshaw
I haven’t seen a pass rush move out of him and he doesn’t look very fast. I love his hand usage and ability to get off blocks but I’m concerned he’ll just be Anthony Spencer 2.0.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 2, 2012
My concern too...
He’s getting overrated and over hyped, but maybe that’ll all die down before the draft. In Upshaw’s defense he did play four years against top competition way better than Spencer faced. I want Upshaw. The Packers, Patriots, and Saints all have bad defenses, and they did okay this year…
Omar Little - January 2, 2012
he may not be a physical freak or ridiculously fast...
but he’s as good as it gets when it comes to navigating the wash near the line and getting separation from his blockers like you mentioned. His pass rush arsenal is decent, you don’t see it too much because I’m not sure Alabama has been using him in a pure pass rushing role. His rip/swim move is pretty ballin’.
BigBlueIntervention - January 2, 2012
Yeah, I noticed the scheme had him seemingly 2-gapping very often
But in the NFL you have to have the speed to beat a tackle to the outside to open up any of the inside stuff.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 2, 2012
that's true
BigBlueIntervention - January 2, 2012
Ehhh...I dunno
I watched a lot of his old game tape this year and I don’t think his arsenal is all that great. He primarily uses the bull rush and faces right tackles. He’s not going to be able to get away with that in the NFL, he’ll need to use his speed to beat a tackle or his quickness to get off a block and there will be plenty of right tackles that can smoke him right off the line if he just brings the bull rush.
The reason why he’s tempting is that he can be everything the Cowboys need from their SOLB. He could be that 7-9 sack guy that’s great against the run that’s a good enough pass rusher to keep defenses honest against DeMarcus Ware or good enough to make some plays if Ware’s being doubled or tripled. However, that’s not what the Cowboys should be looking for out of the 14th pick. That’s the type of thinking that lead to drafting Felix, Spencer, and Bennett. They were all supposed to be complements to stand outs on the team, not what I’d like to use a first round pick on. Much rather draft a guy like David DeCastro that can be a true standout on his own. Don’t get me wrong, teams need complementary players…just not in the first round. On another note, using players in schemes different than what they were used in at college is another recipe for disaster. Sometimes it works out but eck, it’s blown up in a lot of faces.
Omar Little - January 2, 2012
Great read...
…I read the Bob Sturm blog as well and it hits the nail on the head….it is time we stand up and show Jerry he cannot keep putting s$*t on a plate and call it steak…..time we make our voices heard
BWAREofDWARE94 - January 2, 2012
BAD STATE OF MIND
You can tell this team has a lot of issues that can’t be fixed over night, when each guy up here when playing GM points out a different problem.
WE"RE IN SO MUCH TROUBLE!
Our current state is just laughable, I bet every Cowboys hater is just eating this up.
lol
OLINE
DLINE
SECONDARY
LBs
Pash rush
This offseason will be like no other
djthumpl - January 2, 2012
Pass*
djthumpl - January 2, 2012
Uhhhhhh
This offseason will be like
noany other.Fixed that for you.
Nickthegrip - January 2, 2012
I know it sounds crazy but...
What about moving the 280lb Rat to OLB? I could create mismatches and give DWare some help on the other side.
jtgreet02 - January 2, 2012 via mobile
You're right!
It sounds crazy.
White Wolf - January 2, 2012
+1 lol
djthumpl - January 2, 2012
Hey, just a thought...
What we have now sure ain’t working.
jtgreet02 - January 2, 2012 via mobile
its not crazy....Mario Williams.
but unlikely.
BigBlueIntervention - January 2, 2012
Went from a DE with hand on the ground too standing up
Rat is a 280LB 1 tech for a reason lack of foot speed, so yeah real crazy
djthumpl - January 2, 2012
Someone
shared a link today that said Houston will not franchise Mario
BWAREofDWARE94 - January 2, 2012
If that's true we need to find cap room and make a run at him. Bye bye T New, etal.
pfloyd1 - January 2, 2012
Rat's good but no Mario!
pfloyd1 - January 2, 2012
They don't even play the same position.
Don’t think Mario would be any better than Rat if he was playing NT.
Mikellie - January 3, 2012
A lot of people here would like to see him at DE, but no way he could play OLB.
Realist Larry - January 2, 2012
Totally agree
pfloyd1 - January 2, 2012
I just had to remind myself we drafted
Erik Walden in 08 and let him go….ugh
BWAREofDWARE94 - January 2, 2012
Great GM we have right, no wait.....
djthumpl - January 2, 2012
he was also cut
by the chiefs…who had scott pioli at the time. Players take a while to develop, and he also has REAL legal issues creeping up.
Rat-Pack - January 2, 2012
I would be very happy to see EVERYONE on this roster let go except for...
… Romo, Ware, Lee, Witten, Bryant, Murray, Bailey, McBriar, and Smith.
Everybody else is hot garbage. This team sucks… year after year after year.
gershwin - January 2, 2012
With 40% of the roster a free agent as of today
You’re basically getting your wish!
Blue Eyed Devil - January 2, 2012
Hey you better add Robinson to that list of keepers
Antonio S - January 2, 2012 via Android app
Top two teams in the divison we don't match up well with
And the eagles are going to be better next year, so are the giants. We play the AFC north Pitts, Bmore, and Cinn, all in the playoffs. We got the Saints and Falcons as well.
We better get things fix, or we all will doing this same dance next season around this time.
djthumpl - January 2, 2012
I say build the Dline and Oline first
BWAREofDWARE94 - January 2, 2012
That's the way you build a football team. Start with the foundation and add the amenities later.
pfloyd1 - January 2, 2012
Great piece
Should be read by every Boys fan.
I’m just waiting for JJ to hire Bill Polian — obviously that won’t happen … it makes too much sense.
TomLandryFan - January 2, 2012
I will say this
no matter what if we draft offense or sign an offensive free agent (other than Robinson and Fiametta) that is not on the Oline I will boycott the team…..this draft must be DE, Oline, OLB and Secondary and ILB depth focused.
BWAREofDWARE94 - January 2, 2012
I think it will as long as JJ doesn't meddle.
pfloyd1 - January 2, 2012
As bad as I hate it, Philly looks to be a force next year.
Their downfall could be Vick, he’s great against the Cowboys, but sucks most of the rest of the time. Plus he will get hurt during the season and he doesn’t seem to play with pain well.
DIRE WOLF - January 2, 2012
Yeah, Philly is coming together
If they get a better defensive coordinator that defense is going to take a step forward. Especially if they upgrade at linebacker. And that offensive line looked like it was starting to come together.
9-7 isn’t going to win the NFC East next year.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 2, 2012
They will draft LBs with their cornucopia of picks.
pfloyd1 - January 2, 2012
they've got a great line too
Trent Cole (always a monster), Cullen Jenkins, and Graham has shown flashes. Next year he might make the next big step a la JPP did this year
somebodyquiet - January 2, 2012
with all the so-called starts signed, i wonder how their cap situation would look like come next summer.
i just don’t understand how they could fare when we look at the possible earnings position by position
(Aso and Asante and DRC over our whole secondary, Babin and Cole and Jenkins should not pay for dimes also, they have Cullen Jenkins, Vick now earns more than Romo and McGee combined, they have Peters who must be clearly be in for a tad higher than veterans’ minimum salary, they have McCoy and Maclin on board… well, yes, whey will most probably dump D-Jax, but still i don’t see how they can keep this up for a lot longer)
slowmotion80 - January 2, 2012
I hate Philly
pfloyd1 - January 2, 2012
well, not watching the training camp at all (would be difficult on this side of the Atlantic),...
i thought – especially after Gurode was cut – that Jerry and Garrett just threw out another yearly portion of a boatload of money called Romo’s salary. i thought that he would be lucky to survive longer than last year. (well, that almost came true, but he came back with that rib injury and somehow made it until he fully healed.)
if anybody told me that we would see backup QBs for only a game plus two drives, i would say okay, but with Free plus Kosier plus a rookie plus another rookie (although a first rounder at the same time) plus a serviceable backup (Costa) on the line even that would not mean better than 6-10.
8-8? i would have signed that in a heartbeat, for that’s halfway between 2010 and a playoffs-worthy result.
yet if i look back and see how far we came, and how little was missing, i feel sad for the non-playoff season.
i say it’s only on or two positions that needs to be upgraded on defense, BUT only if the OL gets soldified by a great measure. it sure does not help the defense if they have to get back to the field after some three minutes and yet another 3 & out.
the other way it’s four or five positions plus a truckload of prayers for Romo
slowmotion80 - January 2, 2012
BTW, you were talking about the media starting to put the Romo meme out to
pasture. I got in my car a little while ago and was listening to the radio and the local guys, who have rarely missed a chance to repeat the meme were talking about how he had played well, didn’t deserve blame for this loss or the December collapse, etc. I was pretty surprised. On the other hand, they lost me a bit when they talked about how Eli had done a better job of putting his team on his shoulders down the stretch. Really? With two good games against a horrible Cowboys defense sandwiching two lousy performances against the Jets and the Redskins (throwing three picks against the latter)? One of them did have the brains to point out that, unlike Romo, Eli benefited from a resurgent defense in the last few games of the season.
Fernie67 - January 2, 2012
I truly don't understand why people are surprised. That today their eyes have been opened.
I tried telling you all from the beginning of the season Dallas didn’t have much talent. The retorts were always filled with Ware and Rat and Romo and the wr’s. I said that Jerry couldn’t build a team.
I didn’t understand why everyone thought Garrett was going to be a huge difference. All the culture change talk made me chuckle. Coaches don’t change talent and will inside of a player. The culture begins with Jerry not the coaching. I told you all that having RR was’t going to make the d better just because he is a Ryan..
This team is 4 drafts away from having enough talent to win. Even then the chance of Jerry undermining the team is 100%.
football mensa - January 2, 2012
You are one happy MF, aren't you?
DIRE WOLF - January 2, 2012
Wolf u are one misguided human, aren't you ? SMH
and laughing…..
football mensa - January 2, 2012
Are you unwilling to give the coaches 2 years and 2 more drafts to see if the culture changes.
When I talk about culture change I’m talking about JJ. I want to see if he’s realized that he doesn’t know football and is willing, if not in name, in reality to surrender those responsibilities to SJ and JG. We all realize that he’s not going to hire a true GM. The best that we can hope for is that as a business man he realizes that having a winning franchise is good for business.
pfloyd1 - January 2, 2012
Pfloyd what would make you think all of a sudden today Jerry would get it ?
football mensa - January 2, 2012
Money, he needs to win or the luster will fade for OUR FRANCHISE if we keep playing like this.
pfloyd1 - January 2, 2012
JJ is a business man and a smart one at that. After 16 years of his playing GM even he has to realize that it's not going well.
I’m banking on SJ and JG turning it around for him and letting him bask in the limelight that he loves. I may be naive but that’s the best I, we, can hope for.
pfloyd1 - January 2, 2012
Maybe the saddest thing of all
Is this franchise has wasted some absolutely brilliant seasons from Romo. I can hope things will be righted in time for him to field a Super Bowl-quality team, but somehow I think Jerry’s imperial ego will mess things up. Again.
kindablue - January 2, 2012
That's the sad part. Tony is a gifted QB. If Sean Payton had been given the HC job, Romo
would be Brees and vice versa, except that Brees would be buried in Miami or somewhere else and not have received the negative scrutiny Tony has had to endure.
pfloyd1 - January 2, 2012
very true...if Romo was traded to N.O., he easily has a ring by now
Terry - January 3, 2012
Amazing, for such a crap team, they didn't have a losing record, and also came within
inches of not only making the playoffs, but with a few bounces here and there, they could have been in 2-3 weeks ago!
CowboysInFL - January 2, 2012
Wow, I can't even read all of this!
I normally say build from the inside (line players) out, but this defense needs about one player at every position – DL, ILB, OLB, S, CB. They allowed the defense to molder so long, it’ll take some fancy math and maneuvering to get it fixed by next September…
dunkman - January 2, 2012
Fancy math? We have roughly $20mil in salary cap space heading into 2012 last time I checked
StrosSouth - January 2, 2012
That should be enough to sign some FAs and take care of the draftees.
pfloyd1 - January 2, 2012
feels like we have been rebuilding for the past 15 years
juniorb - January 2, 2012
We have, that's exactly why any other GM, who didn't own the team, would have been fired.
pfloyd1 - January 2, 2012
Haven't had a chance to congratulate you guys on your season
Obviously as a Giants fan, I wasn’t hoping you’d win, but I do appreciate our unique rivalry. We both have 2 of the best QBs in football and root for two of the most storied franchises in NFL history, so anytime we play it’s a big deal. The ’Boys and Gmen are RATINGS MONSTERS! So good luck in the off-season, and I look forward to some more epic battles next year
maculis - January 2, 2012
The loss was the bset thing that could happen to us
We have too many holes and would never have made it to the superbowl even if we got bounces that went our way. Good draft position is the best thing so we can restock.
Good luck to the Giants, you’ve got a passing attack and pass rush that can make you difficult.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 2, 2012
Eli
Eli is quietly proving to be the best QB in the NFC East.
Rome One - January 2, 2012
Rec'd
Fester McDougal - January 2, 2012
No he isn't.
Omar Little - January 2, 2012
Good luck man
Represent the division well.
kindablue - January 2, 2012
Thanks.
fs65 - January 4, 2012
Top 23 Players (Janoris Jenkins not mentioned)
1. Andrew Luck*
QB
Stanford
99
2. Matt Kalil
OT
USC
97
3. Morris Claiborne*
CB
LSU
96
4. Trent Richardson*
RB
Alabama
96
5. Quinton Coples
DE
N. Carolina
96
6. Jonathan Martin
OT
Stanford
95
7. Dre Kirkpatrick*
CB
Alabama
95
8. Riley Reiff*
OT
Iowa
94
9. Robert Griffin III*
QB
Baylor
94
10. Justin Blackmon*
WR
Okla. State
94
11. Melvin Ingram
DE
S. Carolina
94
12. Luke Kuechly*
ILB
Boston Coll.
93
13. Mark Barron
S
Alabama
93
14. Andre Branch
DE
Clemson
92
15. David DeCastro*
G
Stanford
92
16. Courtney Upshaw
OLB
Alabama
92
17. Landry Jones*
QB
Oklahoma
92
18. Devon Still
DT
Penn State
91
19. Vontaze Burfict
ILB
Arizona St.
91
20. Fletcher Cox*
DT
Miss. State
90
21. Michael Floyd
WR
Notre Dame
90
22. David Wilson*
RB
Va. Tech
90
23. Alfonzo Dennard
CB
Nebraska
89
Rome One - January 2, 2012
Kirkpatrick at 7 seems a little high. I think he's about 10th I would live for him to fall to us. But we may be better off taking melvin Ingram or upshaw. Hard to say who would be better if both are available at 14th
Kirkpatrick or Ingram. We need so much help at both positions. A week ago i though we should take a CB, but now I say get the pass rusher. The best qb’s in the league can pick apart any secondary if they have time. You beat Brady, brees, and Rogers with pressure. We need help at both though.
Dynamicduo - January 2, 2012 via mobile
YEah
To me he’s more of a Antoine Winfield type than a true lock down corner, great number two rather than a number one corner. A lot like Terrence Newman. I dunno if that’s worth a top ten pick.
Omar Little - January 2, 2012
Try making a list without it being 2 pages long for a lousy 27 names please.
Or make it a fanshot.
Rena - January 2, 2012
23
Rena - January 2, 2012
They paid big time for ignoring the secondary last offseason.
I know they need to get younger on O-line, but the secondary was a glaring problem last year too. They should have tried harder to sign a guy like Asomugha. In the end this team made too many dumb mistakes in too many games. They should have been the two seat in the playoffs, what an embarrassment. Any coaxing Jimmy Johnson out of retirement?
upstateNYYFan1984 - January 2, 2012
a BMW Z4 is a two seat...
San Francisco is the two seed
Damnsammit - January 2, 2012
lol
StrosSouth - January 2, 2012
+1 - Excellent Post, Just About Sums It All Up and Not Much More Needs To Be Said!
CowboysInFL - January 2, 2012
Cowboys need a complete makeover. Hopefully they start with getting rid of Tony Romo. If Romo couldn’t do it with 13 pro bowlers a couple of years ago, then nothing will be enough. It will never happen. Draft RGIII or maybe try and get Flynn. I rather have Dalton and Cam Newton (as rookies). Romo just isn’t a winner. Despite good stats, he doesn’t win and he is in no way an elite QB. 1-3 playoff record proves this. 6 years as a starter and he has one playoff win. Tremendous. No one with a 25% win rate in the playoffs after 6 years is taking us anywhere. . You just cant deny it it no matter much time you spend salivating over his stats on NFL.com. Brady has a terrible D, yet he doesnt make dumb mistakes and wins games. But yeah, let’s keep making excuses for the guy. It’s never his fault.
Romo is 31 or 32 and has nothing to show for his career (besides single-handedly costing the Cowboys the game vs Seattle in the playoffs). Next year will be the same. Philly looks like it will dominate next season and 8 lousy wins won’t get us anything (besides a few chuckles when Romo ends up costing us when it matters. Let’s just hope he doesn’t throw a last second hail mary…. OUT OF BOUNDS again).
Brandon10 - January 2, 2012
What no UDFAs never win Superbowl Argument?
NYHorn - January 2, 2012
Don't give him any ideas. He's already done about 10 of these posts.
Fernie67 - January 2, 2012
My bad. About 37 of those posts.
Fernie67 - January 2, 2012
It if looks like a troll and smells like a troll, it must be....
Rena - January 2, 2012
Dude you've been saying the same garbage since last night.
Shut up your an idiot and you know nothing of football.
Dynamicduo - January 2, 2012 via mobile
fine
enjoy the next few years with Romo at QB.
Maybe he can win a playoff game if we have more than 13 pro bowlers on the team. Would 35 pro bowlers be enough for the great Romo?
Brandon10 - January 2, 2012
Let it go
The Pro Bowl is overrated
NYHorn - January 2, 2012
fine
DIRE WOLF - January 2, 2012
Reason why your argument is flawed
Premise 1:: Romo puts up great stats but is not a great player
Premise 2: Being Selected to the Pro Bowl is a sign of a good player
Premise 3 (Common Knowledge/Implied): Great Stats and Explosive Plays Determine Pro Bowl Voting
∴ Romo is both a good and a horrible player
NYHorn - January 2, 2012
Where's Terry, I don't even want to give this guy the satisfaction of acknowkledging him.
Heresy!
pfloyd1 - January 2, 2012
The guy is a complete idiot...has no clue
Terry - January 3, 2012
Nah, don't resort to insults. If this guy wants to fixate on one thing, let him. Ignore.
Fernie67 - January 2, 2012
Yeah, Vick is a much better QB than Romo... lol
GTFO with this nonsense.
We are all bitter, but no need to get retarded up in here.
I know you think Josh Freeman is elite or something, but don’t you think it’s better to just keep that idiocy to yourself?
Damnsammit - January 2, 2012
Vick was a win away from going to the Super Bowl with a pathetic team. Romo with 13 pro bowlers gets you NOWHERE. And he outplayed Romo when they played. I would take Vick, Freeman… hell give me Cason Palmer over Romo.
Brandon10 - January 2, 2012
Then enjoy being a fan of hte Eagles and Raiders
Your level of football IQ suits those fanbases. You’ll like it there.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 2, 2012
lol
Ron White said it best – You can’t fix stupid.
Happy New Year.
Hopefully that number after your name is your age…
Damnsammit - January 2, 2012
what has Freeman and Palmer done?
yehti - January 2, 2012 via mobile
I think he is saying that he wanted the Cowboys to go 4-12 this season...
Or lose the final game that would clinch the division…
wait a minute…
I think he’s pulling a fast one on us. No way can someone be this stupid.
Damnsammit - January 2, 2012
ehhh IDK
yehti - January 2, 2012 via mobile
Just ignore the idiot
Dynamicduo - January 2, 2012 via mobile
Romo pissed me off to when he didnt tackle shaun alexander.
yehti - January 2, 2012 via mobile
Pshhh
The defense is never to blame. If the Dallas Romos can’t put up 70 points a game, then it’s not good enough.
Damnsammit - January 2, 2012
so true
yehti - January 2, 2012 via mobile
Courtney Upshaw...
Where do you guys think he will go? I have seen some mock drafts that have him at 16 to the Jets. It seems like he would be a good compliment to Ware on the other side to take over for Spencer.
jtgreet02 - January 2, 2012 via mobile
Ingram is grading out better, I think we take one of the 3.
Kirkpatrick, Ingram, or upshaw. Depending on who is left.
Dynamicduo - January 2, 2012 via mobile
In that order too.
It will be interesting to see what we do if both Kirkpatrick and Ingram are available. Although it is still really early. Things may change before the draft
Dynamicduo - January 2, 2012 via mobile
He's a player but not a gifted athlete. The problem is how do you evaluate him playing on a D that's better than ours.
pfloyd1 - January 2, 2012
Could be just another Spencer. I'd rather take Ingram or hope Mercillus is there in the second.
pfloyd1 - January 2, 2012
Mercilus will grade out higher than Upshaw and Ingram. Ingram will be close though.
Won’t matter htough. The 3-4 in Dallas doesn’t work. They have been playing it since Bill and it’s always missing something. 4-3 is easier to draft for. Seeing how the fo is stupid they should shoot for easy.
football mensa - January 2, 2012
Mercilus is ranked 35th on the board right now, 3rd DE. I don't see him moving up ahead of those two. Maybe upshaw if he has a great combine but not Ingram.
Dynamicduo - January 2, 2012 via mobile
That's on CBS I do think he's the best DE coming out but I think he's a better 4-3 defensive end than 3-4 OLB
Dynamicduo - January 2, 2012 via mobile
Take that back quinton coples is probably a better defensive end
Dynamicduo - January 2, 2012 via mobile
Well, it'd be cool to have a player named Mercilus.
Fernie67 - January 2, 2012
here's two things i want to see happen in the off-season
Besides the draft, FA’s and cutting guys….
Get an OC- jason has a good attitude and he’s good as a head coach but oc? Not so much…. obviously jim harbaugh is more fiery than garrett but they are both ex nfl qb’s and they are both smart guys. The 9ers have an OC we should get one (Norv Turner?) and let JG focus on being the head coach
Also i want to see the boys get some guys who are mean and nasty and most importantly get defensive players who are smart…. a lot of guys on our D are just not smart human beings. You need skill and smarts and heart some might have skill but the guys who kill us are not smart people who’s dumbness hurts us
AmazinsCowboys - January 2, 2012 via mobile
one meme too many
Yes, the pass rush has to get better, but the secondary is weak. Newman can’t cover. Elam is a back up.
jdg4660 - January 2, 2012 via mobile
Agree there are just too many holes on this defense.
Dynamicduo - January 2, 2012 via mobile
So we follow the draft board and go BPA and automatically fill a need.
pfloyd1 - January 2, 2012
As long as we stick to the defensive side of the ball or the stud at OG I'm fine with that.
But this draft really needs to be defensively heavy.
Dynamicduo - January 2, 2012 via mobile
An extra second...
Or two from the o-line in the 4th quarter of nearly every loss and this would have been a completely different season.
Even with all the warts on defense, an extra second or two would have been all that was needed to keep the defense off the field. Romo and time in the pocket has proven to be a deadly combination for defenses. Give me DeCastro please.
StarCity - January 2, 2012
Good luck next year
SuperSerial - January 2, 2012
O Line and D Line Woes
The foundation for winning in the NFL starts with consistent execution via strong line play on both side of the ball. We ain’t got it. Tyron is going to be one of the really good ones in this league, but he is only one guy. D Ware cant do it all by himself, either. Pass rushers and o lineman who are extremely angry at the whole world are needed badly. Along with an upgraded secondary. It is amazing how good an avaerage to just a cut above average secondary becomes when you have a pass rush from hell working for you on a consistent basis. I know I’m going way back, but guys like Charles Haley, Tony Cassillas, and Ken Norton all in their prime would make Eli and a lot of other qb’s in today’s game look pretty ordinary and unscary real fast. And an angry, aggressive, and football-smart O line would definitely help Demarco Murray and a strong ground game take the starch out of many defenses…including the Giants. Romo in December is not the reason for all of the failures. How about The Cowboys In December? Put a first rate line in front of number 9 and watch what happens.
LUVYABLU - January 3, 2012
Mojo
Get the talent where it needs to be, coaches to train and direct it, and watch the mojo come back. Lack of fear is our biggest opponent right now. No one in the NFL has any real fear or uneasy feelings when it is time to play Dallas. Along with a lack of talent in many key postions, I sometimes get the feeling that the team has developed a psyche of “almost, but just not enough”, and it comes out during big games. No matter what anyone says, I think teams like the Giants are convinced they are going to beat us, and it becomes a self-fufilling prophecy at our expense as Cowboy fans. Dallas needs to get back to punching people in the mouth all day long and doing whatever it takes to get the job done.
LUVYABLU - January 3, 2012
"The Cowboys greatest problem spot is the secondary"
THIS, THIS, and again THIS…………………..
and the following write up about it. This draft should focus on a mean as hell front seven.
Jace M - January 3, 2012
It's about mistakes, not talent
I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: if we make the mistake of thinking we can draff/UDFA/trade/FA/whatever our way to better play, we’re coming at it from the wrong side of the problem. Not to go all Rumsfeld, but can we use more talent? Sure! Should we be looking to improve our OL and CBs? Of course! But if we continue to make as many mistakes as we do, all the talent in the world won’t help. Just like the last Giants game, the Giants didn’t out-talent us, they made far fewer mistakes. We make as few mistakes as they did, we win that game. Period. Same as last time. I challenge anyone on these boards to list as many mistakes made by the Giants in that game as we made. I bet it’s half the number or less. My hope is that the excessive mistakes are a hang-over from the Phillips no-accountability regime and that Jason will continue to right the ship over the next two or three years. Heck, look at Parcell’s Cowboys teams. They had less talent but did more with it because they didn’t make as many mistakes. I feel strongly we’ve got to focus on reducing mistakes first and foremost.
chamr - January 3, 2012
Great Article
It’s all about the line. 1/3 of a teams starters are lineman, but we can years without drafting a lineman in the top 3 rounds. One should be selected every year in the top 3 and another later in the draft. I bet every great team can point to the line as why they are great.
staubachfan - January 3, 2012
You must Login with your SB Nation account and be a member of Blogging The Boys to post a comment.